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California
4th September 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Private schools could lose tax-exempt status over race-based admissions and aid

The Trump administration has proposed Treasury regulations that would threaten the tax-exempt status of private K-12 schools, colleges, and trade schools that use race-based preferences in admissions, scholarships, financial aid, athletics, or other programs. The rules, which the Treasury Department says would affect 18,000 educational institutions, would still allow schools to consider race-neutral factors such as family income, geography, individual hardship, academic achievement, and first-generation status, as well as religious affiliation. The administration has tied the proposal to the Supreme Court’s 2023 affirmative-action ruling and its broader campaign against DEI initiatives, while critics argue the regulations go beyond the court’s decision and could discourage schools from pursuing programs aimed at addressing discrimination. The rules would take effect after May 31, 2027, and educators and advocates have 60 days to submit comments or request a public hearing.

DIGITAL CURRICULUM

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NATIONAL NEWS

Education Department releases 2023-24 school disparities data after eight-month delay

The U.S. Department of Education has released its 2023-24 Civil Rights Data Collection more than eight months later than initially planned, providing nationwide information on racial, ethnic, and disability-based disparities across virtually every federally funded school district, as well as charter, alternative, and juvenile justice schools. Unlike previous releases, the department quietly published only raw data files without an accompanying report highlighting major findings, trends, or comparisons with earlier years. The collection includes new measures covering preschool discipline, teacher absenteeism, and credit recovery, but the Trump administration withheld collected information on gender identity-based harassment and nonbinary students. The 2025-26 collection will also eliminate some gender identity and nonbinary reporting measures, prompting concerns among researchers that changing requirements could make it harder to consistently track disparities and student experiences over time. The department has confirmed that the congressionally authorized data collection will continue, with preparations for the 2027-28 and 2029-30 cycles already underway.

LEGAL

Santa Barbara schools take on social media

Santa Barbara USD is joining over 1,500 districts in a lawsuit against Meta, Google, TikTok, and Snapchat, claiming these companies have created addictive platforms that harm young people's health. The lawsuit, filed by Frantz Law Group in a Federal District Court in San Francisco, alleges negligence and public nuisance, stating that these platforms exploit minors, leading to increased mental health issues. Santa Barbara Unified noted that these conditions “directly impact attendance, academic performance, and overall well-being.” The district seeks financial compensation for the “increased cost of mental health services straining school district budgets nationwide.” Superintendent Hilda Maldonado emphasized the need to hold social media companies accountable for their role in the mental health crisis affecting students. This lawsuit follows a recent settlement where Meta agreed to pay up to $17.1bn for violating child privacy laws.

TECHNOLOGY

Students ditch critical thinking for AI

According to a recent survey by Common Sense Media, schoolchildren are increasingly relying on artificial intelligence, which may hinder their analytical thinking skills. The survey revealed that around 40% of students believe AI is not enhancing their learning, with many using chatbots to complete assignments without rephrasing. "Students understand that AI threatens learning, but the reality is that it is too tempting and convenient for them to look the other way," said Jim Steyer, chief executive of Common Sense Media. Additionally, 75% of participants reported not receiving guidance on using AI safely. The findings highlight a growing concern among young adults about AI's impact on employment and cognitive effort.

FINANCE

Trustees withdraw pay raise proposal

The Sacramento City USD's proposed amendment to increase trustees' monthly compensation from $827 to $3,000 has been withdrawn, as Trustee Taylor Kayatta said: “I made the wrong call in bringing this forward at this time and heard the community feedback loud and clear.” The proposal was part of a broader policy update but faced criticism due to the district's significant structural deficit of $222m. Kayatta emphasized that the compensation should be considered separately in the future, stating, “For the long term health of our district, I think that board compensation should eventually be increased.” The district must identify $150m in cash solutions by June 2027 to avoid financial instability.

POLICY

Los Angeles USD blocks student access to AI

Los Angeles USD has implemented a ban on student access to generative artificial intelligence on district-issued devices, raising concerns about AI literacy and equity. The restriction, which took effect this school year, has garnered mixed reactions from parents and educators. Parent advocate Lila Byock welcomed the move, stating: “We have to remember that teenagers are also children.” However, education expert Stephen Aguilar cautioned that such restrictions could widen the equity gap, as students with personal devices may continue to access AI tools at home. Aguilar emphasized the importance of teaching students to evaluate AI-generated material, saying, “Ideally that's what schools do.” The district plans to develop recommendations for student access to AI by the end of the school year.

NUTRITION

SNAP cuts threaten free school meals across the U.S.

More than 1m children have lost Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits since July 2025, raising concerns that reduced participation could also threaten universal free school meals. SNAP enrollment helps determine federal reimbursement under the Community Eligibility Provision, which supported free meals at more than 49,000 public schools during the 2024-25 school year. As SNAP participation falls, some districts could receive less federal funding and may have to cover additional costs or end universal meal programs. Dozens of schools, including campuses in San Antonio, Houston, and Miami-Dade County, have already discontinued universal meals this academic year, although the role of SNAP declines remains unclear. Children can still qualify for free or reduced-price meals based on household income, but advocates warn that application requirements and strict eligibility thresholds could leave some families without assistance. Losing free school meals could cost families nearly $1,000 per student each school year.

 
NPR

HIGHER EDUCATION

Endowments drained: colleges in crisis

Many colleges are facing financial difficulties, leading them to draw from their endowments to survive. Hiram College, for instance, borrowed over $47m from its $56m endowment, even using funds designated for specific purposes. David Haney, Hiram's former president, expressed concern over this practice, stating: "What a lot of these small colleges do is they think that things are going to turn around." Nearly 200 private colleges borrowed from restricted endowment funds in 2025, a significant increase from previous years. While some institutions have successfully navigated financial challenges by tapping into their endowments, others, like Martin University, have closed despite these efforts. Hiram is now working on a repayment plan and aims to stabilize its finances, emphasizing the importance of its role in the community. "The campus is the village," said Brad Goodner, a professor emeritus.

Sacramento State shines in rankings

Sacramento State has been recognized as one of the top schools in California and the U.S. for tuition and tax dollar value in 2026, according to Washington Monthly. The university ranks No. 7 among public institutions nationally and No. 5 among California colleges. Washington Monthly's evaluation measures how well colleges serve students and contribute to the public good, focusing on factors like affordability and economic outcomes. Sacramento State graduates earn an average of $64,511 four years post-graduation, and the school ranks 77th for affordability. The report highlights the performance of six other California State University campuses, with California State University, Northridge, taking the 3rd spot.

INTERNATIONAL

Toronto makes school food program available across all public schools

Toronto is expanding its school food program to every public school in the city, giving an additional 33,000 students access to meals when the new school year begins. Mayor Olivia Chow’s administration has increased annual funding for the initiative by more than 80% since her election three years ago, with a C$32m ($23.18m) investment now supporting meals for 325,000 students. The expansion comes as food costs remain elevated and one in 10 Toronto residents rely on food donations, while Chow’s two highest-profile election challengers, Brad Bradford and Chris Alexander, have both said they support continuing the program.
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