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California
20th October 2026
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THE HOT STORY

California districts reduce immigrant student support

California public schools are experiencing a sharp decline in newly arrived immigrant students following changes in federal immigration policy, prompting some districts to reduce specialized programs, reassign staff, and prepare for further funding pressures. Oakland USD enrolled just 498 new immigrant students in 2025–26, compared with more than 1,300 annually in most previous years, and has reduced its middle and high school newcomer programs from 17 schools to six. Los Angeles USD has reported a decline in newcomer enrollment from 20,755 in 2024–25 to 11,103 in 2026–27, while San Juan USD has experienced a smaller 13.6% decrease. Education leaders warn that continued enrollment losses could undermine language support, bilingual education, and specialized teaching resources, leaving districts less prepared for future increases in immigrant student arrivals.

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

Supreme Court to review lottery policy

The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to review a lawsuit challenging a Maryland county's lottery admissions policy for elite public middle schools, which some parents argue discriminates against Asian American applicants. The case stems from a coalition of parents who claim that Montgomery County's policy violates the 14th Amendment's equal protection clause. The Supreme Court is expected to hear the case and issue a ruling by the end of June. The lawsuit alleges that the lottery system has resulted in fewer Asian American students being placed in academically rigorous magnet schools. U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis previously dismissed the case, stating that the policy did not disproportionately harm Asian American students. The parents' coalition, represented by the Pacific Legal Foundation, argues that "racial balancing is racial discrimination," highlighting ongoing debates about diversity in school admissions.

School safety debate shifts toward prevention

A deadly shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, where a 16-year-old gunman killed three children and a teacher after shooting through a locked entrance, has reignited debate over school safety policies and the effectiveness of physical security measures. While the tragedy has prompted renewed calls for stricter gun laws, reinforced school buildings, armed personnel, and enhanced emergency preparedness, education and security experts warn that defensive measures alone cannot prevent determined attackers. Despite a school safety industry valued at approximately $4bn, experts emphasize that early intervention, trusted relationships between students and adults, mental health support, secure firearm storage, and effective threat reporting systems offer more promising approaches to preventing violence. Research cited in the article indicates that more than 80% of over 100 averted school shootings were prevented after individuals reported concerning behavior.  

EXAMS

Testing troubles: are we overdoing it?

The U.S. K-12 public school system has been significantly influenced by standardized testing, particularly since the No Child Left Behind Act was enacted in 2001. This law increased state testing and linked results to school performance, leading many districts to prioritize English and mathematics instruction. A 2026 study revealed that students take a median of 57 assessments before high school, with some facing as many as 88 tests. Despite this, there is no correlation between the number of tests and student proficiency. Liza Bondurant from Mississippi State University noted, "You don't get a pig to grow by measuring it more," highlighting the debate over whether increased testing aids learning or detracts from it. The impact of testing extends beyond student performance, affecting teachers' workloads and job satisfaction, with many educators expressing dissatisfaction with the emphasis on standardized assessments.

LEGAL

Settlement aims to end discipline disparities

California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced a settlement with Natomas USD to address significant disparities in student discipline and privacy practices. An investigation revealed that Black students and students with disabilities faced higher rates of suspension and expulsion. The settlement includes a two-year plan for policy revisions and annual staff training on discipline and confidentiality. Bonta said: “I look forward to our continued collaboration and am confident that Natomas Unified will continue to implement these reforms.” Deidra Powell, executive director of communications for Natomas Unified, stated that the findings do not reflect the district's efforts and highlighted their recognition as the most diverse school district in California. Despite the challenges, Powell emphasized the district's commitment to providing a safe learning environment for all students.

Retaliation lawsuit rocks Tolleson UHSD

Cruzita Mendoza, a former employee of the Tolleson UHSD and current city council member, has filed a lawsuit alleging retaliation after her termination following an investigation into Superintendent Jeremy Calles' conduct. Mendoza, who worked for the district for nearly 40 years, claims her contract was terminated unjustly after she provided "truthful statements regarding Superintendent Calles' financial mismanagement." The lawsuit, filed in March, is set for mediation by December 11. The district denies the allegations, asserting that Mendoza's position was eliminated due to restructuring and that her termination was not retaliatory.

GOVERNANCE

Voter decisions loom for school boards

Sacramento County voters are set to decide on school board races in Elk Grove, Natomas, and San Juan Unified districts this November. Sacramento City USD, serving around 42,000 students, has three trustees running unopposed, including Board President Tara Jeane. Elk Grove Unified, with about 65,000 students, features competitive races in Areas 2, 4, and 5, with incumbent Michael Vargas facing Kirk Thomson, who has faced backlash for past social media posts. In Natomas Unified, candidates Jeremy Greene and Neil Pople are vying for Area 1, while Area 4 has four candidates, including veteran Amir Khan. San Juan Unified has four local races, with incumbents Tanya Kravchuk and Ben Avey running unopposed in Areas 5 and 6.

Candidates clash for Coachella Valley USD seats

In the upcoming November 3 election, two seats on the Coachella Valley USD board are contested by incumbent Valerie García and challengers Norma Flores Rivera, Rafael Medina, and Loretta Perez. García, who has served since 2022, emphasizes the need for financial stability and student safety, stating: "I believe we have an obligation to keep our finances stable without losing important programming that our students need to thrive." Perez, a disability advocate, has raised concerns about school conditions and aims for greater oversight of spending. The election comes amid challenges such as declining enrollment and budget constraints, with candidates addressing issues like student achievement and absenteeism.

Election showdown: Palm Springs school board

The Palm Springs USD is gearing up for two contested school board races in the upcoming election on November 3, 2026. In Trustee Area 4, incumbent Charlie Ervin Jr. faces off against former superintendent Tony Signoret. Ervin, who became the district's first Black board member, emphasized the need to continue improving academic opportunities and school safety, stating: "I am seeking reelection because the work we started over the past four years is not finished." Meanwhile, Trustee Area 5 features a four-way race to succeed longtime board member John Gerardi, with candidates Yolanda C. Bouzas, Kaden Cross, Quana Hall-Beverly, and Roger V. Nuñez presenting their visions for the district. Each candidate has outlined their priorities, focusing on issues such as declining enrollment, budget management, and enhancing student achievement.

Rubalcaba set to lead Fontana schools

Ramiro Rubalcaba, currently the superintendent of the Los Nietos School District, has been selected as the finalist for the superintendent position at Fontana USD. “I am incredibly honored to be selected as the finalist to serve as Fontana Unified School District's next superintendent,” Rubalcaba said. With a strong background in public education, including 17 years at the Los Angeles Unified School District, he has also held roles as assistant superintendent in Victor Valley UHSD and principal in Azusa USD. Fontana school board President Angel Ramirez emphasized the importance of leadership reflecting the community, noting that approximately 86% of students identify as Hispanic or Latino. Rubalcaba is expected to start in mid-December, pending board approval and contract negotiations.

TECHNOLOGY

Educators embrace practical AI training

OpenAI has reported positive feedback from its AI Skills Jams, free training workshops delivered with the Walton Family Foundation across nine U.S. communities, attracting more than 1,600 K–12 teachers, administrators, and district leaders. Of 802 survey respondents, 92% said they created something reusable, 96% intended to apply their learning within 30 days, and 97% would recommend the workshops to colleagues. Educators developed lesson plans, science simulations, administrative tools, and customized ChatGPT applications to support classroom instruction and routine school operations. However, 29% requested additional hands-on practice, highlighting the need for more tailored training for beginners and experienced users. OpenAI plans to use the feedback to improve future workshops, although the findings do not establish measurable improvements in student outcomes or long-term workload reductions.

AI transforms education and parenting

AI is reshaping educational and workplace dynamics, leaving parents, teachers, and children uncertain about how to adapt. Economist Daniel Susskind, in his book "What Should My Children Do? How to Flourish in the Age of AI," emphasizes the importance of basic skills like literacy and critical thinking, stating: "We must find a way for the next generation to flourish with AI." He advocates for teaching AI as a core skill in schools while ensuring traditional skills are not neglected. Professor Sonia Livingstone from the London School of Economics highlights the challenges parents face in supporting their children’s AI learning, noting that many rely on parental controls instead of engaging in discussions about technology. She stresses the need for families to converse about AI's benefits and pitfalls, while Dr. Mhairi Aitken points out that understanding AI's broader societal impacts is crucial for children. Overall, a balanced approach to AI education is essential for future generations.

DISTRICTS

Santa Monica-Malibu USD showcases future at event

At the State of Our Schools event held at Santa Monica High School, Superintendent Antonio Shelton outlined the Santa Monica-Malibu USD's vision for the 2026-27 school year. He emphasized the district's commitment to enhancing teaching, learning, and facilities to better support students. “State of Our Schools is an opportunity to reflect on our progress and look ahead to what our students and communities need from us next,” Shelton said. The event fostered community engagement, allowing attendees to tour the new Exploration Building, designed to promote collaboration and creativity in learning. The gathering highlighted the importance of partnerships with community organizations and education partners in shaping the district's future.

INTERNATIONAL

Childhood poverty widens Ireland’s education gap

The Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) has found that childhood poverty in Ireland significantly affects educational achievement, school engagement, and future aspirations, with limited access to books and reading opportunities among the key contributing factors. The report reveals that half of Irish children experience poverty before age 13, while one in five endure three or more periods of financial hardship. Among persistently poor nine-year-olds, 9% report never liking school, compared with 4% of children who have never experienced poverty. Additionally, just 62% of persistently poor 13-year-olds expect to earn a college degree, compared with 79% overall. The ESRI has recommended improving access to books, extracurricular activities, parental reading support, and positive teacher-student relationships to reduce educational inequalities.
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