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USA
23rd January 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Federal judge gives Ed. Dept. extension in mental health grant dispute

A federal judge has granted the U.S. Department of Education a new deadline of February 6 to decide on school mental health grant continuations, after the department failed to meet a December 30 court-ordered deadline. The extension follows a lawsuit from 17 states, including Washington, accusing the department of unlawfully discontinuing grants tied to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts. Despite state objections, Judge Kymberly Evanson ruled the court lacked authority to enforce broader compliance measures sought by the states. The department must now issue awards by February 11 and submit status updates by February 12, Evanson said, adding: “I want there to be no doubt that the department should continue its work at a rapid pace and to not await any adjudication."

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LEGAL

Long Island school ordered to restore Native-inspired mascot

The U.S. Education Department has ruled that Connetquot Central School District in Long Island violated Title VI by changing its mascot from the "Thunderbirds" to the "T-Birds," claiming the switch constituted discrimination based on national origin. The district had made the change to comply with a New York state ban on Native American imagery in school mascots, a ban the federal Office of Civil Rights previously said itself violates Title VI. The department is now demanding the district reinstate the original mascot or risk losing federal funding.

Lawsuit claims NJ superintendent mismanaged funds

Hackensack Public Schools has initiated legal action against suspended Superintendent Thomas McBryde and Business Administrator Lydia Singh, alleging their improper hiring practices contributed to a $15m budget shortfall. The lawsuit, filed on January 13 in Bergen County Superior Court, claims that McBryde and Singh engaged in a scheme to authorize payments for services that were never rendered, violating state public-contract laws. The complaint states: "McBryde orchestrated the alleged scheme with the knowing assistance of Singh." The board seeks to recover over $250,000 from vendors and at least $1.3m from the former administrators, along with additional damages related to the district's financial crisis. The lawsuit also accuses McBryde of ethics violations, including hiring without proper job postings and misleading the board about Singh's employment status. The board is pursuing compensatory damages, legal fees, and potential treble damages under the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act.

DISTRICTS

Philadelphia City Council unveils school closure plan

The Philadelphia City Council Education Committee is at odds with the school district's plan to close 20 schools, affecting nearly 5,000 students. Councilmember Isaiah Thomas expressed strong opposition to the closure of Conwell Middle School, emphasizing its importance to the community: "If you're a Philly person, you understand." The district's proposal aims to modernize facilities and improve academic performance amid declining enrollment and deteriorating buildings. However, concerns about transparency and the impact on students and families have emerged. Union leaders, including Philadelphia Federation of Teachers President Arthur Steinberg, described the news as "devastating and disheartening," highlighting the need for more information on the decision-making process. The Board of Education will review the plan at its next meeting, but political influence may complicate its approval.

TECHNOLOGY

Teaching kids to be smart online: Inside elementary schools’ digital lessons

As the digital landscape evolves, it is crucial for educators to teach students how to use technology safely and responsibly. Nicole Sandrowicz, a school-based technology specialist at Bailey's Elementary School for the Arts and Sciences in Falls Church, Virginia, emphasizes the importance of starting with young learners: "We are starting with our youngest learners to build these skills so that when they do get to using the technology a little bit more advanced, they already have a basis of how to be a good person using this technology." The school incorporates digital citizenship lessons throughout the year, focusing on healthy media habits and the distinction between human-made and AI-generated content. Additionally, educators at Henry P. Clough School in Mendon, Massachusetts, are addressing cyberbullying and AI awareness, recognizing that students are increasingly exposed to technology from a young age. Principal Liz Garden noted the need for timely discussions on these topics, adding: "Schools can't afford to wait to address these topics with them."

FINANCE

As teachers seek cost-of-living raises, Milwaukee Super outlines spending reductions

Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) Superintendent Brenda Cassellius is preparing for significant budget cuts due to a projected structural deficit of approximately $100m. During a recent School Board meeting, hundreds of teachers and staff advocated for their regular inflationary raises, estimated at 2.6%. Cassellius said: "I absolutely want to give raises but I also have the really hard task of being the superintendent of schools and having to make sure the operations match what we can afford." MPS faces declining enrollment and rising costs, including special education services, which have not been fully funded by the state. As the district navigates these financial challenges, Cassellius emphasized the need for difficult decisions regarding staffing and budget allocations. The School Board will review a five-year forecast on February 5, with community budget hearings planned throughout February before the budget proposal is finalized in April.

Audit exposes NJ district's budget challenges

The New Jersey state auditor's report revealed that Perth Amboy's school district is grappling with a budget deficit exceeding $13m due to improper financial management. State Auditor David Kaschak's analysis of the district's records from July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2025, highlighted significant accounting errors that misrepresented the district's financial status. The audit said: "The current district administration inherited a number of accounting errors and budgeting issues... that gave the false impression there was a surplus." In response, Michael LoBrace, the district's business administrator, confirmed that corrective measures are underway, including monthly budget projections. The report also noted that the district had not increased its local tax levy for eleven years, missing potential revenue opportunities. Furthermore, it recommended that the district enroll in the New Jersey School Employees' Health Benefits Program to save an estimated $49.1m. The audit did not uncover any fraud, but it emphasized the need for improved financial oversight.

Portland schools face $50m in cuts

With the current school year approaching its midpoint, Portland Public Schools is grappling with a projected $50m budget deficit, necessitating a reduction of approximately 288 positions, including 180 in schools and 108 in the central office. Superintendent Kimberlee Armstrong emphasized the district's commitment to “protecting required services” while addressing class sizes and program impacts. This follows a previous $40m cut that altered classroom structures and eliminated certain programs. Other districts, such as Salem-Keizer and Eugene, are also planning significant cuts due to declining enrollments and rising costs. The financial strain is exacerbated by increased expenses in special education and a looming rise in retirement system payments. Armstrong's message highlights the need for community feedback as the district navigates these challenges.

Educators sound alarm as Wyoming school panel proposes job cuts

Wyoming’s Select Committee on School Finance Recalibration has proposed eliminating 656 core and regular classroom teacher positions, while only increasing public education spending by 0.9%, or around $11m, far below the 8% increase recommended by state-hired consultants. Educators warn the cuts could raise class sizes and reduce offerings, with fears that sudden job losses would hurt schools' ability to deliver quality education. Some funding gains include higher average teacher salaries, expanded technical education, and more classroom support staff, but concerns persist over the broader impact of the reductions as the state appeals a court ruling on school underfunding.

WORKFORCE

Arkansas and Delaware only states offering full paid parental leave for teachers

Only two US states, Arkansas and Delaware, require full paid parental leave for teachers, according to a new report by the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ). Of the 34 states that provide no paid leave beyond sick days, some districts have independently introduced benefits, but NCTQ warns that leaving decisions to local authorities creates unequal access. The study also noted that “If states reimburse districts the cost of long-term substitutes, districts need only maintain normal operating costs by paying teachers’ salaries as usual. This policy ensures that educators receive their full pay during leave, while having minimal impact on the state’s overall budget.” The report highlights how access to paid leave improves retention and wellbeing, urging states to extend full benefits to all parents, including fathers and adoptive families.

SCHOOL TRANSPORT

Mother says New Jersey’s school bus safety drive overlooked critical changes

In his final days in office, Governor Phil Murphy signed several bills aimed at enhancing disability rights and transportation safety for New Jersey residents. Among the significant measures is the creation of a Special Education Transportation Task Force, which will examine safety and oversight for the state's approximately 1,800 companies that transport special education students. Paul Aronsohn, New Jersey's former disability ombudsman, said: "I think it provides us with an important opportunity to get it right." However, a proposed bill requiring cameras and GPS tracking on school buses did not receive a vote, raising concerns about accountability in the transportation system. Anabela Rossi, whose son tragically died during a school bus ride, emphasized the urgency for reforms, adding: "Families are being asked to wait years for reforms while their children continue to ride buses without those safeguards." Other signed legislation includes measures to improve access to health services and expand coverage for behavioral health treatment for children.

TEACHER TRAINING

Guiding interns on the foundations of leadership

Nicole Paxton, principal of Mount Vista Community School in Colorado Springs, Colorado, emphasizes the importance of comprehensive training for aspiring school leaders. Reflecting on her own experience, she stated: "I wish I would've learned more about budgeting, how to build relationships with students, or give teachers feedback." Paxton now mentors principal interns, guiding them through traditional duties and emerging responsibilities, while also allowing them to shadow her daily activities. With the increasing demands on principals, including managing student behavior and chronic absenteeism, practical internships are essential. According to the Education Commission of the States, at least 39 states require principal preparation programs to include a practical component. Paxton and other mentors aim to provide real-life experiences, ensuring that interns are well-prepared for the challenges of school leadership.

CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION

Inside Boston’s Madison Park school rebuild plan

Boston city leaders have decided to pause plans for a life-sciences hub and affordable housing in Roxbury, opting instead to consider building a new Madison Park Technical Vocational High School at the site. Mayor Michelle Wu stated that the redevelopment was not progressing due to economic factors, not the school project. Community leaders expressed disappointment, emphasizing the need for both educational and economic development. Armani White, executive director at Reclaim Roxbury, remarked: "On the one hand, everyone wants to see Madison Park win. On the other hand, we also want to see the community development that we selected also win." The city plans to let the development rights for Parcel P3 lapse, allowing for a feasibility study to explore options for the school project, which could save Boston between $84m and $147m.

INTERNATIONAL

Australia’s U-16 social media ban exceeds expectations

Australia’s eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant says social media firms have been dragged “kicking and screaming” into compliance with the country’s strict new law banning under-16s from having accounts. Since the policy came into effect in December, 4.7m child accounts have been removed, and early signs show no major shift to alternative platforms. While companies like Meta argue the ban goes too far and favor parental approval or app store-based age checks, the Australian government is standing firm, with enforcement actions ongoing and fines of up to A$49.5m ($33.8m) for non-compliance. Snapchat has been named a key focus for the next round of enforcement notices. "[The policy] is certainly exceeding our expectations, but we are playing the long game here," she said, adding that regulators will always have to take a dynamic approach to the safety of young people online.
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