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California
12th November 2026
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THE HOT STORY

U.S. voters reject school funding increases

U.S. voters have rejected numerous proposals to increase public school funding in the 2026 midterm elections, reflecting growing concerns about property taxes, household affordability, and education spending. In Texas, fewer than one-third of 78 school district funding measures passed, while most proposals also failed in Alabama, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, and Virginia. Ohio voters approved just five of 39 proposed school district income taxes, while Virginia rejected 32 of 47 proposed local sales tax increases for school infrastructure. In New Hampshire, approximately 59% of voters supported limits on school district property-tax increases, according to the New Hampshire Association of School Business Officials. Although funding measures secured majority approval in nine other states, several districts face significant financial consequences, including potential budget cuts and closures. Wisconsin’s Hustisford school district announced its dissolution following repeated unsuccessful tax referendums, highlighting the mounting financial pressures facing public education.

DIGITAL MATH LEARNING

Personalizing Digital Math Learning 

Every student brings unique strengths, challenges, and learning needs to the classroom. Personalized digital learning helps educators respond to these differences by adapting instruction to each student's progress, providing targeted practice, and creating learning experiences that evolve as needs change. 

Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, digital learning can help ensure students receive the right support and opportunities to grow at the right time. Discover how California Reveal Math puts personalized digital learning into practice, using real-time insights and adaptive technology to help educators support students' mathematical growth. Watch this video to see how California Reveal Math personalizes student learning like never before. 

Watch this video

 

NATIONAL NEWS

States push to regulate ICE activity in schools

At least 23 U.S. states have considered legislation regulating Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities in K-12 public schools during 2026, following the Trump administration's removal of federal protections limiting immigration enforcement at sensitive locations. An NPR analysis identified 40 legislative proposals, including 35 seeking to restrict federal officers' access to schools and students, while only 11 became law before the academic year began. Proposed measures included requiring warrants, limiting school police cooperation with immigration authorities, and establishing procedures for responding to enforcement actions. Mississippi passed legislation requiring schools to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement, while proposals in Minnesota, Tennessee, and several other states failed to advance. Education leaders warn that inconsistent state policies create uncertainty for administrators, potentially disrupt learning environments, and heighten concerns among immigrant families.

 
NPR

Lawmakers seek longer school lunch periods

U.S. lawmakers have introduced the Healthy Meal Time Act, legislation aimed at ensuring students have sufficient time to eat nutritious meals and participate in recess during the school day. Sponsored by Reps. Kim Schrier (D-WA) and Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), the bill would direct the U.S. Department of Agriculture, in consultation with the Department of Education, to study school meal and recess schedules and identify best practices. Although no federal minimum lunch period currently exists, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends at least 20 minutes of seated eating time. The proposed study would consider this guidance, time spent on activities other than eating, and the additional time students may need to consume minimally processed and unprocessed foods. Schrier, a pediatrician, emphasized that students sometimes skip meals to maximize recess time, arguing that better scheduling could improve nutrition, physical activity, concentration, and overall health.

FINANCE

Santa Monica voters reject Measure ES

Santa Monica voters have decisively rejected Measure ES, a proposed parcel tax aimed at raising approximately $12m annually for Santa Monica-Malibu USD (SMMUSD). With 52.5% of voters opposing the measure, the City Council now faces the challenge of determining whether to cease its annual funding to the district or seek alternative financial solutions. Measure ES would have imposed a $495 tax per taxable parcel, exempting qualifying seniors and certain organizations. Alicia Mignano, SMMUSD board President, said, "We respect the voice of Santa Monica voters and the democratic process." The rejection of this measure could lead to significant financial implications for the district, which already anticipates deficits of $9m to $12m annually through 2028-29. The city plans to continue its separate funding through Measure YY/GS, which will provide about $18m annually until 2038.

POLICY

Mayor McCarty's immigration alert pledge

In response to rising federal immigration enforcement in Sacramento, Mayor Kevin McCarty has pledged to notify school districts about nearby U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities. He stated: “We're going to let districts know what we know,” emphasizing the need for enhanced communication. However, Sacramento City USD (SCUSD) leaders, including Superintendent Cancy McArn, are calling for more immediate actions and a dedicated safety plan. Trustee Jasjit Singh highlighted the urgency, noting that SCUSD is most affected by these enforcement actions. The district's leaders plan to meet with city officials to address these concerns, as fear and anxiety among students grow, particularly in schools with high Latino populations. Principal Jessica Martin expressed the emotional toll on students, stating: “How can they focus on learning when they're living with fear and uncertainty?”

New measures tackle hate speech in LA schools

Los Angeles USD has unanimously approved new measures to combat hate speech, particularly the repeated use of the N-word by students. This decision follows complaints from Black teachers about inadequate responses to racist incidents. The plan includes enhanced student counseling, staff training, and improved incident reporting. Shelly Castillo, a history teacher, highlighted that Black students often refrain from reporting such incidents due to disbelief and isolation. The Board of Education, acknowledging "the centuries-long legacy of anti-Black racism," aims to ensure a safer environment for both students and educators. Board member Karla Griego emphasized the need for education on the implications of hate speech, stating: "Students must be educated in order to understand the implications and harm of especially the use of the N-word and other racial slurs." The resolution is seen as a starting point for addressing these critical issues.

STEM

NASA offers $1m in student awards for innovative lunar base designs

NASA has launched a $1m Moon Base Student Challenge, inviting U.S. high school and postsecondary students to design technologies supporting sustained human exploration near the lunar South Pole. The competition focuses on six technical areas: power generation and storage, habitat construction, life-support systems, surface mobility, communications, and astronaut safety. Open to students from academic, technical, and vocational backgrounds, the challenge requires no prior specialized engineering experience and aims to develop practical STEM skills while supporting NASA’s long-term lunar exploration ambitions. Teams must register by January 25, 2027, and submit initial concept papers by February 22. Up to 100 finalist teams will receive monetary awards and advance to a second phase, developing recorded presentations that demonstrate their designs and technical solutions. Finalists will be announced on March 11, with final submissions due April 19 and winners revealed May 6.

GOVERNANCE

Election results keep everyone guessing

As election results continue to emerge in San Luis Obispo County, candidates are closely monitoring their standings. Colleen Martin is vying for reelection to the Trustee Area 5 seat on the Lucia Mar School Board, while challenger Forrest Pearson has gained a slight edge over incumbent Janel Armet in the Templeton School Board race, leading by just 69 votes. The SLO County Clerk-Recorder's Office reported that 91,374 ballots have been counted so far, but results remain unofficial. Marilyn Rodger leads in Trustee Area 1 of the San Luis Coastal School Board with 59.9% of the vote, while Anna Cordero is ahead in Trustee Area 3 with 50.6%. Meanwhile, Paso Robles voters are considering a $205m school bond, which is currently trailing with 45.3% in favor.

Ballots still uncounted in Sutter

As of now, 9,000 ballots remain uncounted in Sutter County following the 2026 election, with final results expected by November 16, according to Sutter County Clerk of the Board Donna Johnston. “The state requires us to have the bulk of the ballots counted by then,” Johnston said. Two key measures are in close races: Measure G, a proposed 1% sales tax aimed at raising $22.5m annually for various public services, and Measure H, a bond measure for the Live Oak USD to improve educational facilities. Current unofficial counts show Measure G trailing slightly with 51.13% voting against it, while Measure H is also narrowly behind at 50.65%. Additionally, four candidates are vying for three seats on the Live Oak City Council, with Ulises B. Teyes currently leading the race. 

Carrillo trails in Salinas election

Nathalia Carrillo, the Board President of Salinas UHSD, is currently trailing her challenger Brenda Contreras by 550 votes, or 14%, in the Area 3 election. As of November 10, Contreras has garnered 57%, totaling 2,221 votes. The election included four contested seats, with Area 7 being the most competitive, featuring four candidates. Sara Young leads this race with 4,231 votes, or 41%, followed by Merissa Dacpano with 3,403 votes. Meanwhile, incumbents Vanessa Robinson and Tracy Filice will continue in their roles after running unopposed. 

Santa Monica-Malibu USD appoints new education leader

Santa Monica-Malibu USD has appointed Christian Fuhrer, principal of Grant Elementary School, as the new executive director of elementary education, pending Board of Education approval on November 19. Fuhrer has led Grant Elementary for over 8 years, promoting project-based learning and enhancing instructional practices. His initiatives included establishing a project-based learning model and improving campus facilities, such as a new classroom wing and Innovation Lab.  

DISTRICTS

Victor Valley's Veterans Day celebration

During Veterans Day week, the Victor Valley UHSD honored its employees who served in the U.S. military. Superintendent Carl Coles and Board President Rosalio “Rosie” Hinojos personally delivered care packages, including $20 In-N-Out gift cards and commemorative coins, to express gratitude. Coles said: "Our veteran employees represent the very best of service, sacrifice, and leadership," highlighting their commitment to both the military and education. Hinojos, a U.S. Army veteran, emphasized the importance of recognizing fellow veterans, saying: "It gives me an opportunity to thank them for their service." A total of 62 veterans from various roles, including teachers and custodians, were celebrated, showcasing the district's appreciation for their contributions to education and the nation.

Honoring veterans: Lucerne Valley's tribute

Lucerne Valley USD recently honored its military veteran employees with a $1,000 stipend, a gesture of appreciation initiated in 2023. On November 10, members of the Army Recruiting Office in Victorville presented awards to ten veterans, including Principal Jason Story and Teacher Louis Madrid. District Superintendent Peter Livingston and staff participated in the ceremony at Lucerne Valley Middle High School. Tom Courtney, a school board member and Navy veteran, emphasized the importance of integrating veterans back into the community, stating: “These folks served our country and now deserve our respect and acceptance back into our communities with the honor they deserve.” The district's first recognition event took place in the Sgt. Brian Walker Memorial Gymnasium, named in memory of a local hero who died in Afghanistan.

Castaic Middle School earns top honor

Castaic Middle School has been officially redesignated as a National "School to Watch," recognizing its commitment to educational excellence and student support. This honor follows its recent designation as a California Distinguished School. "Together, these honors highlight the school's dedication to ever-evolving alongside the changing needs of modern education," said a statement from Castaic USD. As one of the original middle schools in the program, Castaic holds "legacy school" status, reflecting its sustained exceptional practices. The Schools to Watch program evaluates schools based on academic excellence, developmental responsiveness, social equity, and organizational structures. Schools must undergo a rigorous evaluation every three years to retain this status.

CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION

Technical colleges brace for demand surge

Technical colleges are responding to a growing demand for skilled workers, driven by employers expanding data centers and automating factories. Enrollment is rising at institutions like Universal Technical Institute Inc. and Lincoln Educational Services Corp., but existing capacity is strained. "The margin improves overall because if you think about it, it's the same number of instructors," said Todd Hitchcock, UTI's executive vice president. However, rising costs may push some students toward cheaper alternatives. Lincoln chief executive Scott Shaw noted that student starts slowed due to unclear communication about costs and financial aid. Meanwhile, companies like Dycom Industries Inc. are establishing their own training centers to meet immediate workforce needs. Despite the demand, UTI has faced challenges in recruitment and shifting student interests, prompting a need for better execution in filling skilled trades programs.

CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION

New York leads U.S. school construction costs

K-12 school construction costs across the United States have increased by more than 9% between the fouth quarter of 2025 and and the fourth quarter of 2026, according to Gordian’s latest RSMeans Data. National average elementary school construction costs rose 12.3% to $291.16 per square foot, while junior high costs increased 11% to $285.86, high school costs climbed 9.2% to $287.61, and vocational school costs rose 9.7% to $263.16. New York remained the most expensive of the 10 cities surveyed, with elementary school construction reaching $378.52 per square foot and high school construction costing $380.77, compared with $243.75 and $240.48, respectively, in Houston, the least expensive market. Honolulu also recorded elevated costs, with elementary schools reaching $351.06 per square foot. Rising construction expenses are complicating decisions about renovations, replacements, energy efficiency, security upgrades, and technology investments.

INTERNATIONAL

Bomb threats disrupt European schools

On Wednesday, hundreds of schools across Italy, Scotland, Ireland, and Northern Ireland have received bomb threats in an apparent coordinated campaign to disrupt education and public services. Italy's education ministry reported that more than 300 schools received emails warning of imminent explosions, prompting the evacuation of thousands of students. Similar threats triggered evacuations at schools in Scotland, Ireland, and Northern Ireland, although UK authorities have assessed the warnings as hoaxes. Police Scotland confirmed that threatening emails had been distributed widely across the UK and Northern Ireland but were not considered credible. The incidents follow a separate wave of bomb threats targeting airlines the previous week, which forced several aircraft to make emergency landings and disrupted European air travel.

Australian researchers call for stronger teacher wellbeing training

A University of Melbourne report has recommended making teacher wellbeing education a compulsory component of initial teacher education programs across Australia, aiming to improve workforce sustainability and address ongoing teacher shortages. The report, Start. And Stay: Incorporating Teacher Wellbeing into Initial Teacher Education, proposes at least one mandatory university subject dedicated to teacher wellbeing, alongside practical training integrated throughout teaching degrees. Researchers found that existing programs predominantly focus on student wellbeing, leaving graduates insufficiently prepared to recognize and manage their own professional challenges. Lead researcher Laura Dainton Smith emphasized that wellbeing must be a shared responsibility involving educators, school leaders, employers, and regulators, rather than an individual burden. The report also recommends stronger mentoring, supportive workplace cultures, and clearer professional support pathways for early-career teachers.
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