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California
21st August 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Teacher unions' political spending exposed

An investigation by The Center Square reveals that the two largest national teacher unions, the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and the National Education Association (NEA), have directed millions of taxpayer-funded membership dues to support Democratic lawmakers' campaigns. The NEA, with nearly 3m members, collected around $391m in dues, while the AFT, with 1.8m members, received approximately $274m. AFT contributed $1.25m to the Senate Majority Political Action Committee and the House Majority PAC between June 2025 and March 2026. In states like California, Illinois, and New York, unions predominantly donate to Democrats, while in Florida, they support candidates from both parties. Andrew Spar, president of the Florida Education Association, emphasized the need for a fair education system, stating: “Florida's parents and taxpayers deserve a fair, transparent, honest, and accountable education system.”

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
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  • Instructional strategies and tips
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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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FINANCE

Palo Alto schools face tough cuts

The Palo Alto USD is confronting a significant budget deficit of $33m for the upcoming school year, leading to potential layoffs. Board member Shounak Dharap said: “We're going to have to fire people,” highlighting the gravity of the situation. New Superintendent Jason Glass emphasized that the budget cuts are the board's top priority, anticipating backlash and discussions about reducing essential programs and services. The financial strain is largely due to new labor contracts that granted employees a 10.4% raise and bonuses. Former board member Ken Dauber criticized the board for creating a “financial crisis entirely of its own making.” The district is exploring options to mitigate layoffs, including not filling vacant positions and reassessing administrative roles. The board has until March 15 to issue layoff notices, with an additional $10m in cuts projected for the 2028-29 school year.

DISTRICTS

Bay Area schools shine in rankings

Three Bay Area high schools have made it to the top 10 in U.S. News & World Report's latest list of best public high schools in California. Dr. T.J. Owens Gilroy Early College Academy ranked 5th, Lynbrook High School in San Jose came in 9th, and Mission San Jose High School in Fremont placed 10th. These schools excelled in metrics such as college readiness, state assessment scores, and graduation rates. Notably, Dr. T.J. Owens achieved a remarkable 100% participation in Advanced Placement (AP) courses, while Lynbrook and Mission San Jose also showed strong AP performance. The report evaluated around 18,000 schools nationwide, considering factors like underserved student performance and college curriculum breadth.

Gustine High welcomes new principal

Brittney Bloom has been appointed as the new principal of Gustine High School, following a unanimous vote by the Gustine USD Board of Trustees. Previously the assistant principal at Orestimba High School, Bloom succeeds Adam Cano, who resigned to take a position as assistant superintendent at Newman-Crows Landing USD.

LEGAL

Books vanish: Chino Valley controversy

Parents in Chino Valley have filed a complaint against the Chino Valley USD, alleging that over 20 books, including works by Toni Morrison and Ellen Hopkins, were removed from libraries without public hearings, violating district policy and state law. The complaint, lodged by Public Counsel on behalf of parents Kristi Hirst and Tracie Perez, claims that the removals infringe on students' First Amendment rights and limit access to diverse educational materials. “Books in Chino Valley School District libraries are disappearing without any documentation, accountability or community input,” the complaint states. The district's policy, revised in November 2023, allows for the removal of books deemed sexually explicit, but critics argue it disproportionately targets LGBTQ+ and minority narratives. Hirst emphasized the need for transparency, stating: “Every student needs access to books that reflect their own lives and experiences.”

Superintendent on leave amid investigation

Michael McLaughlin, the superintendent of San Leandro USD, has been placed on paid administrative leave pending an investigation into allegations of inappropriate conduct. The district confirmed that reports from employees indicated “inappropriate conduct in violation of board policies and the district's rules of conduct.” While specific details remain undisclosed due to the ongoing investigation, NBC Bay Area reported that the complaints involve alcohol and unwanted advances toward a female district official during a work retreat, with claims that McLaughlin “physically” touched the woman.

GOVERNANCE

New assistant superintendent takes the helm

The Newman-Crows Landing USD Board of Trustees approved the contract of Assistant Superintendent Adam Cano with a 3-1 vote. Trustee Lyzette Gonzalez opposed the decision, citing fiscal concerns. Cano, who previously spent 17 years at Gustine High School in various roles, expressed his excitement about the new opportunity, stating: “The board, you know, takes action and has confidence in me to do my job.” His contract runs from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2028, with automatic yearly extensions unless notified otherwise. Cano will receive health benefits and a $200 monthly automobile allowance.  

WORKFORCE

BTB program welcomes new hires

The Newman-Crows Landing USD has launched a new school year with a significant expansion of its Beyond the Bell (BTB) program, hiring 80 employees, the highest number ever for the program. BTB Director Alysonn Cassidy said: "These are kids who want to be teachers. We need teachers." The hiring surge was facilitated by state-funded initiatives aimed at supporting after-school programs. The program will serve around 1,000 students and aims to enhance parent communication through the establishment of a parent council. Cassidy emphasized the importance of building sustainability and community partnerships to ensure the program's longevity, saying: "I think our motto at this point is love is evident here, and I'm super proud of that."

PRIVATE SCHOOLS

New private school opens in Dublin

BASIS Independent has launched its new private school in Dublin amid challenges faced by public schools, including declining enrollment and budget cuts. The school opened with 133 students from grades 5 to 10, charging an annual tuition of about $41,000. Tenth grader Bradley Lo, who transferred from Dublin High, expressed his excitement, saying: “Public school has not been very fulfilling. Coming to a private school and looking at how all the teachers are really invested, it's a completely different environment.” The school aims to double its enrollment next year and is known for its rigorous academic programs, with a focus on Advanced Placement courses. BASIS Independent Dublin's director, Aprajita Singh, emphasized the importance of finding students who are eager to learn, stating: “When we interview students, we talk to them specifically and directly.” The school is part of a network that has a strong track record of college placements.

SOCIAL & COMMUNITY

Teacher calls for stronger classroom response to anti-immigrant slurs

A Los Angeles middle school teacher says educators need to treat anti-immigrant language with the same urgency as other slurs after hearing Latino and English-learning students use “illegal” to demean classmates and distinguish themselves from peers who could face deportation. He argues that political rhetoric and social media are normalizing such language among young people, potentially undermining immigrant-origin students’ sense of safety, belonging, and acceptance at school. The teacher says he initially hesitated to intervene because educators receive little training on addressing xenophobic language when it is framed as politics, patriotism, or humor. He now plans to immediately identify such comments as harmful and turn them into teachable moments, arguing that schools and educators must be better prepared to recognize, confront, and prevent anti-immigrant rhetoric from becoming normalized in classrooms.

NUTRITION

Fueling success: kids' nutrition matters

As the school year begins, establishing healthy eating habits at home is crucial for children's focus and learning. Kenya Wolff, an associate professor at the University of Mississippi, emphasized that "it really does begin at home," as children model their eating patterns after their parents. Breakfast plays a vital role; simple meals with protein and fiber can enhance concentration. For picky eaters, patience is key, with Wolff suggesting that it may take 10 to 15 tries for a child to accept new foods. Engaging children in meal preparation and creating a relaxed mealtime atmosphere can foster better nutrition habits. Ultimately, Wolff advises families to aim for at least one shared meal daily, as this connection can lead to stronger nutrition habits and improved school performance.

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Fentanyl awareness classes launch in schools

This academic year, Riverside County school districts will implement a new "Fentanyl Awareness Curriculum" as mandated by Assembly Bill 2429, ratified in 2024. Supervisor Karen Spiegel emphasized the importance of these efforts, stating: "The county's efforts to fight fentanyl on all fronts have helped reduce deaths at a rapid pace, but we are not done." The curriculum consists of eight 50-minute sessions aimed at educating high school students about the dangers of fentanyl and other drugs. County Superintendent of Schools Edwin Gomez noted that this curriculum is a "first-of-its-kind tool" to address the growing dangers of fentanyl. The initiative is part of a broader campaign, "Faces of Fentanyl," which has contributed to a decline in fentanyl poisonings in the area.

Backpacks: are kids carrying too much?

Modern school backpacks are often overloaded with items like laptops, textbooks, and sports equipment, which can lead to physical strain on children. Pediatric specialists warn that signs of overload include leaning forward or difficulty walking. Dr. Sadika Kendi, who chairs the American Academy of Pediatrics' injury-prevention efforts, said: “It's worse if, for example, they trip and fall and they have a huge, heavy backpack on their back.” Parents are encouraged to audit their child's backpack contents and prioritize essential items. Experts recommend choosing backpacks with padded straps and teaching children safe lifting techniques. Regularly cleaning out backpacks can also help manage weight and organization.

HIGHER EDUCATION

Colleges face enrollment decline

U.S. colleges are approaching a significant demographic shift as declining birthrates reduce the number of traditional college-age students, with enrollment forecast to fall 13% by 2041. The decline is already affecting parts of the Midwest and Northeast and is expected to increase financial and enrollment pressure on many institutions. However, fewer prospective students may not make admission easier at the most prestigious universities. A “flight to quality” is concentrating applications at highly selective private universities and prominent public institutions, as families increasingly question the value of a degree and focus on schools perceived to offer stronger career outcomes. Meanwhile, many regional and less-selective colleges are becoming easier to enter as their applicant pools shrink. Students are also responding to greater uncertainty by applying more widely.
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