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California
29th September 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Trump administration targets nearly $100m in education funding for cancellation

The Trump administration is seeking to cancel nearly $100m in congressionally approved education funding as part of an $810m package of “pocket rescissions.” The proposed education cuts include $70m from International and Foreign Language Education and $25m from programs supporting migratory students pursuing high school equivalency credentials and higher education. The administration has characterized the targeted spending as wasteful, while lawmakers from both parties have criticized the rescission process, with Senate Appropriations Committee chair Susan Collins (R-ME) describing it as illegal. The affected migrant education programs have already experienced substantial reductions, falling from 120 programs serving 5,000 students across 20 states in 2024 to 45 programs serving fewer than 2,000 students annually in 12 states. The HEP-CAMP Association estimates the latest funding reduction could affect services for another 1,650 students. International and Foreign Language Education has also faced previous funding disruption. The Government Accountability Office has previously deemed pocket rescissions illegal.

INSTRUCTIONAL COHERENCE

No More Patchwork Literacy: CA Teachers Need Cohesive Resources

It’s time to do away with the countless hours scouring the internet for engaging, authentic texts, supplemental worksheets, foundational skills and everything in between. Piecing together fragmented resources isn’t just exhausting; it creates inconsistent learning experiences for students who need steady, structured growth. When instructional tools lack alignment across grade levels, critical skills fall through the cracks during key transitions. You shouldn't have to act as a curriculum designer on top of everything else you do.   

To truly uphold California’s ELA/ELD Framework, educators deserve a unified, evidence-based instructional approach that meets the needs of every learner, from TK through high school. Consistent, high-quality materials free teachers to focus on what matters most: delivering impactful, engaging instruction. 

Lean in to a TK-12 literacy strategy that empowers teachers and elevates student reading outcomes.

 

STATE NEWS

California's childcare crisis deepens

In California, the high cost of childcare is driving families away, with some spending over $30,000 annually. Patricia Lozano, executive director of Early Edge California, emphasized: "The demand is so high. … This could have an enormous positive impact on California's families and the economy." Despite significant investments in childcare subsidies, the state lacks a universal childcare program, which could cost up to $21bn annually. Experts like Bruce Fuller from UC Berkeley warn that while universal childcare may financially benefit parents, it may not enhance children's early learning unless quality standards improve. California has made strides, such as doubling childcare vouchers and expanding preschool eligibility, but challenges remain in ensuring quality and accessibility for all families.

Funding boost for arts education

Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed Assembly Bill 2440 into law, aimed at increasing access to arts funding for schools. The bill encourages school districts to utilize Proposition 28 funds, which allocate approximately $1bn annually for arts education. Al Muratsuchi, the bill's author, said: “The clear message we heard was that many school districts have been struggling to navigate legal ambiguity regarding compliance with Proposition 28.” The law allows smaller schools and districts to pool resources for arts instructors while ensuring that all schools receive more arts instruction. Additionally, it provides legal protections for schools against potential financial repercussions related to funding compliance. This legislation follows a lawsuit against Los Angeles USD for not adhering to Proposition 28's requirements.

NATIONAL NEWS

Education Department reinstates Trump's first-term Title IX sexual misconduct rules

The Trump administration has finalized a regulation restoring the first Trump administration’s Title IX rules for handling sexual misconduct complaints at schools and colleges, formally repealing the Biden-era regulation after federal courts vacated it. The restored rules require colleges to use formal processes for sexual misconduct complaints, including courtroom-style hearings where representatives for complainants and accused students can call witnesses, challenge credibility, and assess evidence, while also allowing schools to apply a higher standard of proof than under Obama-era guidance. The regulation stops short of formally defining “sex” under Title IX as biological sex, although the Education Department said it is enforcing the law on that basis and has separate regulatory plans addressing the definition. Education Secretary Linda McMahon said the change provides clarity for students, parents, and institutions, while advocates for sexual misconduct survivors criticized the policy as creating additional barriers to reporting and weakening protections. The regulation could also face legal challenges because the department did not use the notice-and-comment process employed during previous revisions of Title IX rules.

School closures spark community outrage

Driven by declining birth rates and other factors, school closures are causing significant concern among parents and students. Marguerite Roza, director of Georgetown University's Edunomics Lab, described the situation as “the big shrink,” noting that fewer young people are reshaping public education. As districts face financial pressures, including the end of federal pandemic relief, many are considering consolidations. In the 2025-26 school year, over 1,000 public schools closed, marking a trend that has continued for four consecutive years. David Steiner, executive director of the Johns Hopkins Institute for Education Policy, warned that this “demographic time bomb” creates financial challenges, stating, “Just because your number of students goes down, doesn't mean that your fixed costs go down.” As enrollment continues to decline, states are exploring various strategies to manage the impact on education.

TECHNOLOGY

Picture imperfect: AI says cheese

As the cost of school photos rises, many parents are turning to artificial intelligence (AI) image generators to create their own portraits at home. Parents are sharing tips on social media, using tools like ChatGPT to regenerate photos or remove watermarks from proofs. However, this practice raises legal concerns, as removing watermarks violates copyright laws, according to Erin Russell, an attorney with The Russell Firm in Chicago, who said: "The moment the image is created, the person who takes the picture owns the rights to the picture." Additionally, uploading children's photos to AI platforms poses privacy risks, as these images may be stored and used for AI training. 

DISTRICTS

Future of dual immersion program in jeopardy

The future of the dual language immersion program at Stephens Middle School in Long Beach is uncertain, raising concerns among parents and students. Long Beach USD (LBUSD) previously planned to relocate the program to the now-closed Hoover Middle School, but reversed that decision due to parental backlash. Erik Miller, vice president of the LBUSD Board of Education, acknowledged the community's commitment, commenting: “Your voices matter and your engagement reflects the community’s deep commitment to its students.” However, the district has set a quota of 70 students for the program to remain at Stephens by the 2027-28 school year, amid ongoing enrollment declines and budget deficits. 

Robotics program makes a comeback

Central Park Elementary has successfully revived its robotics and electronics program after a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The program, which serves 20 students, focuses on hands-on learning in areas like electricity, circuits, robotics, AI, and engineering. Students also engage in activities beyond the classroom, such as assembling toys at home with CrunchLabs Build Boxes. Sponsored by Santa Clara-based RSD2, the program received donations including LEGO Computer Science and AI kits.

GOVERNANCE

Join the Redlands candidate forum!

The public is invited to a live online forum featuring candidates for the Redlands USD Board of Education and the San Bernardino County superintendent of schools on Monday, October 5, at 7 p.m. Hosted by the American Association of University Women, Redlands branch, and the University of Redlands public policy program, the forum will not be a debate but a moderated event with three panelists asking questions. All seven candidates have been invited, including Dale Broome and Patty Holohan for Area 1, and Maria Montes, Ryan Schavrien, and Tiara Richardson for Area 2. Cali Binks and Alejandro “Alex” Vara are running for the superintendent position.

PRIVATE SCHOOLS

Stanford Online High School tops rankings

Stanford Online High School, operated by Stanford University, has achieved a strong ranking as the top Bay Area private school, landing at No. 10 in Niche's "Best Private High Schools in America" list for 2027. This marks a significant improvement from its previous position at No. 187. Niche's rankings are based on various factors, including test scores, graduation rates, and user reviews. Nick Liberati, Niche's communications director, mentioned that gaps in reporting may have affected Stanford Online's prior ranking. The top in-person private school in the Bay Area is The College Preparatory School, ranked No. 20. Many parents opt for private schools due to perceived advantages in education quality and college admissions.

SOCIAL & COMMUNITY

Tree removal sparks outrage at school

On September 28, 2026, Pasadena USD began cutting down trees at Longfellow Elementary School, despite protests from local environmental advocates. Jessica Richards, a local advocate, expressed her devastation, stating, “I am just devastated to hear this news about the iconic trees at Longfellow.” The district had previously announced a pause on tree removals for further analysis but decided to proceed, citing soil remediation needs after contamination was discovered post-Eaton fire. Protesters gathered at the school, displaying signs that read “Tree Killers,” as they opposed the removals. The district had already cut down over 100 trees during the summer for similar reasons, and with students temporarily relocated, they moved forward with the removals at Longfellow.

CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION

Transforming futures at Bearcat Institute

The Bearcat Institute of Cosmetology at Paso Robles High School offers a three-year program that equips students with hands-on training in hair, skin, and nail services. With 28 students enrolled, the program aims to fulfill California's requirement of 1,000 hours of practical and technical instruction for cosmetology.  

LEGISLATION

Senate passes landmark college sports bill, setting up House vote

The U.S. Senate has passed the bipartisan Protect College Sports Act by 77-22, advancing legislation that would give the NCAA a limited antitrust exemption to establish rules covering athlete eligibility, transfers, and compensation. The bill would also increase the annual revenue-sharing cap from roughly $20 million per school to nearly $50 million, introduce additional funding for player retention and non-revenue sports, restrict power-conference realignment for six years, and cap Power 4 conferences at 20 members. The legislation must now pass the House by a simple majority before it can be signed into law, but the article says no House votes are expected until after the November 3 midterm elections, with the election outcome, congressional scheduling, and opposition from some lawmakers potentially affecting its progress.

OTHER

‘Saved by the Bell’ actor Dennis Haskins dies at 75

Dennis Haskins, best known for playing Principal Richard Belding across the “Saved by the Bell” franchise, has died at age 75 at an assisted living facility in Burbank, California. His longtime caretaker, Kimberly Snow, confirmed his death and said the cause was unknown, although Haskins had privately battled Parkinson’s disease and other health issues. Haskins portrayed Mr. Belding for 12 years, from 1988 to 2000, across several series, and reprised the role in a 2015 “Tonight Show” sketch with former cast members. His acting career began in 1981 and included appearances in shows such as “Magnum P.I.” and “The Dukes of Hazzard” before he became widely recognized for his role as the Bayside High principal.
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