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A U.S. federal judge has ruled to block hundreds of layoffs by the Trump administration across several government agencies, stating the moves violated a law tied to ending the recent 43-day government shutdown. Judge Susan Illston said the State and Education departments must halt planned job cuts, while ordering reinstatement of about 300 workers already let go. The ruling, which favors unions challenging the cuts, underscores legal limits on government downsizing during funding disputes. The Justice Department is expected to appeal Illston’s order.

 

Government Executive

Politico

Reuters

The Indianapolis Local Education Alliance (ILEA) has recommended the establishment of the Indianapolis Public Education Corporation to oversee both the Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) and charter schools. This new agency would consist of nine members appointed by the mayor and would have the authority to impose property taxes, manage district buildings, and establish a unified enrollment system. If approved by state lawmakers, this move would signify a substantial shift in the educational landscape, diminishing IPS's power while benefiting charter supporters. ILEA member Tina Ahlgren, an IPS parent and teacher, was the only dissenting vote. The recommendations also aim to address ongoing challenges faced by both IPS and charter schools, including declining student enrollment and financial issues.

 

Indianapolis Star

Indianapolis Business Journal

Columbus City Schools (CCS) has unanimously approved the demolition of four school buildings following their closure. The CCS board voted to close Broadleigh Elementary, Buckeye Middle School, Moler Elementary, and the Columbus Alternative High School in December 2024, with demolition scheduled to begin after the 2026-2027 school year. The decision is part of a broader strategy to address a $5m budget shortfall, which also includes the closure of four additional schools by the 2027-2028 school year. Andy Boy, chief executive of United Schools, expressed disappointment over the district's decision not to sell the closed buildings to charter schools, stating: "I think when we all come to this thinking about what's best for kids, it's a clear opportunity for us to work together." Aaron Churchill, lead Ohio researcher for the Thomas B. Fordham Institute, cautioned that demolishing the buildings without offering them to other educational institutions "would be a mistake."

 

The Columbus Dispatch

Anne Arundel County Schools Superintendent Mark Bedell has proposed a $1.9bn budget for fiscal 2027, a 6.5% increase over the current year, prioritizing employee pay, special education, and support for high-poverty schools. The plan for the Maryland district avoids layoffs, includes 2% cost-of-living raises, and funds 105 new roles at disadvantaged schools, while cutting $4.2m for tutoring due to state-mandated phaseouts. Bedell called the proposal a conservative response to looming financial pressures. “I wanted to do more but not at the expense of existing positions,” he added.

 

The Baltimore Banner

The Billings Public Schools Board convened to discuss a potential high school bond vote within the next two years aimed at addressing urgent facility maintenance and safety concerns. Board members emphasized their commitment to transparency, with one commenting: "We're not trying to avoid the voters, but we're trying to see if the building is self-financed with the tenants. Then it pays itself." The initiative reflects the district's proactive approach to ensuring safe and well-maintained educational environments for students. The board's discussions come as the community anticipates significant developments, including the completion of a new $14.9mfacility at Daylis Stadium by fall 2026.

 

Billings Gazette

In a significant shift, Miami Dade College will begin authorizing new charter schools, effectively removing this power from Miami-Dade Public Schools. Crystal Etienne, president of EduVoter, expressed concerns, noting: "I believe it's a violation of our Florida Constitution." This change follows a history of similar attempts that were deemed unconstitutional. The Florida Charter Institute at Miami Dade College will oversee the new charter applications, with the final decision resting with the college's Board of Trustees, appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis. Critics, including Miami-Dade school board member Luisa Santos, argue that this move complicates oversight and accountability, emphasizing that "we are accountable to voters." As charter schools expand, the implications for traditional public schools in Miami-Dade could be profound, with potential competition leading to closures.

 

The Miami Herald

The Iowa City Community School District is revising Policy 503.8 to better define physical aggression by students toward staff and clarify disciplinary actions. The proposed changes aim to align with the district's comprehensive behavior approach plan and provide detailed examples of physical aggression to assist administrators in determining incidents involving injury. The revisions will be reviewed by the policy and governance committee before a vote by the school board. The district has reported 139 instances of students injuring staff last year, with a significant number of these incidents occurring in elementary schools. The proposed policy outlines three levels of disciplinary action for physical aggression, with the most severe violations potentially leading to suspension and police involvement.

 

The Gazette Cedar Rapids Iowa

According to a recent survey of career and technical education (CTE) educators, there is a growing interest among students in digital technology, information technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and cybersecurity. The survey revealed that 31% of CTE educators anticipate the introduction of a career pathway in these fields within the next five years, the highest expectation among all CTE subject areas. In contrast, only 20% expect the addition of a construction pathway. Pat Yongpradit, chief academic officer for Code.org, emphasized the importance of CTE in preparing students for immediate job opportunities, adding: "The CTE world is all about preparing kids for immediate jobs, not an amorphous future." Additionally, Jaycie Homer, a middle school CTE teacher in New Mexico, noted that AI skills are transferable across various sectors, enhancing students' employability.

 

Education Week News

The Chieftain mascot at Clark Intermediate School in Clovis USD, California, will continue following approval from the North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians. A new state law, effective July, prohibits schools from using most Native American terms as mascots without tribal consent. Fred Beihn, the tribe’s vice chairperson, said: "There are generations of family, community, friends and tribal citizens that attended Clark Intermediate School and are proud to claim Chieftains as their mascot." Superintendent Corrine Folmer emphasized the importance of honoring local Native American history, noting that the discussions have "deepened our understanding" of the mascot's significance. The law expands the ban on derogatory Native American terms, ensuring respectful representation in school mascots.

 

EdSource

Illinois lawmakers have reformed the Minority Teachers of Illinois Scholarship, now renamed the Teachers of Illinois Scholarship, to eliminate race and ethnicity requirements. This change, enacted through House Bill 3065, was a response to a lawsuit challenging the original program and reflects broader national trends against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The new law allows any student who attended an Illinois K-12 school with a significant percentage of students receiving free or reduced lunch to apply for the scholarship. House Rep. Maurice West said: "It's not us conceding. It is ensuring that the resources that are going to those who need it the most does not stop." Despite the removal of racial criteria, lawmakers assert their commitment to diversifying the teacher workforce, which is predominantly white. The Illinois Student Assistance Commission will provide updated eligibility information for prospective scholarship recipients.

 

Chalkbeat

Harvard University has initiated a confidential disciplinary investigation into students Rosie P. Couture and Lola DeAscentiis for their involvement in recording former president Larry Summers discussing his connections to Jeffrey Epstein. The students posted videos online that prompted scrutiny and complaints from faculty members. The investigation focuses on potential violations of university policies regarding unauthorized recording and attending classes without enrollment. Harvard stated: "The College prohibits unauthorized recording of classroom proceedings to protect classrooms as spaces for intellectual exploration." The students, both active in feminist causes, could face consequences ranging from reprimands to expulsion. This incident follows recent revelations about Summers' ties to Epstein, which have sparked significant public outcry and pressure on the university.

 

Boston Globe

Starting this month, prospective students applying for federal financial aid at 132 California colleges will encounter a new warning label regarding alumni earnings. This label indicates that graduates from these institutions earn less than those with only a high school diploma four years post-graduation. The U.S. Department of Education introduced these “lower earnings” alerts primarily targeting for-profit colleges, including beauty and trade schools. In California, these flagged schools enrolled over 80,000 students and received substantial federal funding. U.S. Under Secretary of Education Nicholas Kent stated that the alerts aim to help students make informed decisions without restricting their options. While the alerts do not impose immediate penalties, they signal upcoming legislation that may revoke federal loan eligibility for programs failing to demonstrate increased earnings for graduates.

 

EdSource

Hong Kong's Education Bureau will offer HK$500,000 ($64,200) in one-off funding to each public primary and secondary school that applies to a new three-year initiative aimed at integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into classrooms. With HK$500m allocated, the program requires schools to use AI in at least three subjects and create six teaching resources, as well as host open classes and student activities. Applications are open until February 2026, with funding available for use through August 2028. Lee Yi-ying, chairwoman of the Hong Kong Subsidised Secondary Schools Council, said the funding offered a very good start for the sector to implement AI in the classroom, adding: “We could use [the money] to help teachers prepare lessons, teaching materials, to devise classroom strategies, help draft assessment papers, offer feedback and personalize learning plans for students. It could save lots of time, particularly on translation between Chinese and English.”

 

South China Morning Post

Britain will rejoin the European Union's Erasmus student exchange program in 2027, marking a significant shift since its departure during Brexit negotiations. The government hailed this decision as a “huge win” for young Britons, ensuring that “everyone, from every background, has the opportunity to study and train abroad.” The program allows students to study at foreign universities while paying domestic fees. However, the cost for the 2027/28 academic year will be £570m ($760m), which is approximately double the previous contribution before Brexit. This reintroduction raises questions about the benefits of leaving the EU, as public sentiment towards the bloc appears to be softening. Irene Tracey, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Oxford, emphasized the program's role in enhancing Britain's global standing, stating: “Many of these people are going to go on and become leaders of the public and private sector.” Nick Thomas-Symonds, Britain's minister for EU relations, noted that the agreement is “about more than just travel.”

 

CNN Edition

Financial Times