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USA
12th February 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Grade inflation threatens students' future success

Grade inflation in the U.S. may adversely affect students' academic performance and future earnings, according to a study presented at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. The research analyzed data from nearly 1m students in Los Angeles USD and 250,000 students in Maryland. Findings indicate that students receiving lenient grading, where teachers assign higher grades than warranted by standardized test scores, are less likely to succeed in subsequent courses and achieve lower test scores. The report states: "Our results are consistent with the idea that grades act as a strong incentive for learning." In Maryland, students impacted by grade inflation were less likely to attend college or secure employment, resulting in an estimated loss of $160,000 in lifetime earnings for every 0.2-point increase on a 4.0 grading scale. This trend highlights the growing concern over the relationship between rising grades and declining standardized test performance.

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DISTRICTS

Memphis-Shelby school board votes to permanently install Richmond as Superintendent

The Memphis-Shelby County Schools Board has appointed Roderick Richmond as permanent superintendent after he served in the interim role since January 2025, following the firing of former Superintendent Marie Feagins. The board voted 6-3 to fill the position by direct appointment rather than conduct a national search. While many board members praised Richmond’s leadership and emphasized the need for stability, some expressed concerns about transparency and argued that a full search process would have been more appropriate. Critics said the district should gather more performance data before making a permanent decision. Richmond said he respected the board’s deliberations and pledged to continue serving the district with consistency and focus, emphasizing that his commitment to students and the community remains unchanged regardless of title.

Cedar Rapids board moves forward with school consolidation and reconfiguration plans

Cedar Rapids School Board has proposed plans to close six elementary schools to save $6m annually. The board voted 5-2 to study two alternative models: an intermediate school model and a 5-8 middle school model. A unanimous resolution was passed to conduct further research, including a professional boundary analysis and enrollment projections, before a final decision in April. Superintendent Tawana Lannin stated that the budget challenges provide an opportunity “to be thoughtful, deliberate and build something that serves students and the community for years to come.” The proposed closures would affect Wright, Cedar River Academy, Cleveland, Grant, Nixon elementary schools, and Truman Early Learning Center, with changes not expected until fall 2027. Johnson STEAM Academy will remain open, reflecting the community's strong support for its diverse student body.

LEGAL

California challenges federal threat to cut school funding over transgender disclosure policy

On Wednesday, California filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration after the U.S. Department of Education threatened to withhold $4.9bn in federal funding unless the state allows schools to notify parents when students identify as a gender different from their sex assigned at birth. Attorney General Rob Bonta argues that the federal government is misinterpreting the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), saying the law does not require schools to proactively disclose a student’s gender identity to parents. The state contends the federal investigation into California schools unfairly targeted transgender students and was motivated by discrimination. While California maintains that parents already have the right to access their children’s education records upon request, it says FERPA does not mandate automatic notification about gender identity or preferred pronouns. The lawsuit seeks to block the federal government from cutting education funding and to secure a court ruling affirming that California is in compliance with federal law. The U.S. Department of Education has not yet commented on the case.

FINANCE

Cincinnati schools could shift to income tax funding model

Several school districts in Greater Cincinnati are proposing earnings-based taxes as an alternative to property taxes to fund operations, responding to voter fatigue and recent state-level property tax cuts. Critics argue that this shift unfairly burdens working families. Districts like Mount Healthy, which is under a fiscal emergency, are asking voters to approve income-based tax levies in the upcoming May election. The trend reflects a changing landscape in school funding, with urban and suburban districts increasingly adopting income taxes, traditionally used by rural schools. Tom Hosler, chief executive of the Ohio School Board Association, noted that the number of proposed income tax levies has quadrupled in recent years, rising from 12 in 2021 to 51 in 2025. Board member Stephanie Anderson said: "The earned income tax will more than likely pass if we do it... because we have so many retirees voting." However, concerns remain about the impact on working families.

Santa Rosa City Schools faces budget crisis

Santa Rosa City Schools in California is facing a severe financial crisis, with a risk of insolvency looming. Michael Fine, chief executive of the Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team, warned the school board about "serious cash issues - far more serious than any other district in the state." To meet minimum reserve requirements, the district must cut $3m from its $239m budget this year and an additional $23m for the 2026-27 school year. The district is considering eliminating around 100 positions, including teachers and support staff, to save approximately $14m. If the situation worsens, a state takeover could occur, leading to a loss of local control over financial decisions.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Georgia weighs drone deployment in schools to boost campus security

Georgia lawmakers are reviewing a proposal to allocate $550,000 for a pilot program that would test emergency-response drones in four high schools across the state. Texas-based company Campus Guardian Angel demonstrated its drone system at the Georgia Capitol, claiming the technology can respond to an active shooter within seconds. The drones would be stored in charging stations inside schools and launched via a panic button, potentially reaching a threat in 15 seconds and neutralizing it in under a minute. Supporters say the system could add a critical layer of protection and improve emergency response times, especially in light of recent school shootings. Critics, however, have raised concerns about privacy, costs, and the broader implications of deploying drone technology on school campuses. The proposal is part of ongoing state budget negotiations, with participating schools likely to include a mix of metro Atlanta and rural districts. Lawmakers are expected to decide on the funding in the coming weeks.

TECHNOLOGY

Instagram chief stands by approach to youth mental health

Instagram head Adam Mosseri has defended the platform’s product decisions at a Los Angeles trial alleging “social media addiction” and youth mental-health harms. A plaintiff who began using Instagram at age nine says Meta and YouTube profited by attracting children despite known risks, contributing to depression and body dysmorphia. Court emails showed internal debate about allowing face-altering filters. Mosseri said he sought balance, supporting allowing some filters without boosting them in recommendations. Meta chief executive Mark Zuckerberg is also expected to testify in the coming weeks.

Which is more harmful to learning: Dull worksheets or poorly-designed Ed Tech?

The increasing integration of technology in K-12 education has sparked concerns among parents and policymakers, prompting calls for a reassessment of its use. At a February 10 panel discussion on education technology and data privacy at George Washington University law school, Richard Culatta, chief executive of ISTE+ASCD, emphasized that schools have failed to communicate the benefits of educational technology, commenting: "Either there is a why that isn't being shared clearly, or there isn't one." A recent PDK poll revealed that nearly 70% of parents oppose the use of artificial intelligence to manage student data. Legislative efforts, such as proposed bills in Utah, aim to establish standards for educational technology and limit screen time in early education. Additionally, experts like Nicol Turner Lee highlighted the lack of transparency in privacy policies, which often confuse parents. As the landscape of educational technology evolves, the need for effective training and clear communication with educators and families becomes increasingly critical.

HIGHER EDUCATION

U.S. colleges report over $5bn in foreign funding in 2025

U.S. colleges and universities received more than $5bn in reportable foreign gifts and contracts in 2025, according to newly released data from the Department of Education. The information, published on a new federal transparency website, is part of the Trump administration’s effort to increase scrutiny of foreign influence in higher education. Qatar was the largest source of funding, contributing about $1.1bn—over 20% of the total—followed by the United Kingdom, China, Switzerland and Japan. Major recipients included Carnegie Mellon University, Harvard University, MIT, and Stanford University. Federal law requires schools to report foreign gifts or contracts exceeding $250,000, though concerns about underreporting have prompted calls for stronger oversight. The administration has launched investigations into some institutions over compliance issues. Supporters of the transparency push say the data provides needed insight into foreign ties, particularly involving countries such as China, Russia and Iran. However, university representatives argue that institutions comply with reporting requirements and caution that the data lacks context, such as long-term trends or detailed explanations of funding sources.

 
NPR

INTERNATIONAL

Manitoba teachers say 3.5% funding increase not enough to ease pressures

Manitoba has announced a 3.5% increase in school funding for the 2026–27 year, committing C$79.8m ($58.8m) in new money, including C$51m for operating costs and C$11.4m to help divisions manage the impact of teacher salary harmonization. Education Minister Tracy Schmidt said the increase is above the province’s annual inflation rate and is intended to address uneven cost pressures across school divisions. School boards and teachers’ representatives, however, say the funding boost is insufficient to meet rising costs. The Manitoba Teachers’ Society said the increase does little to address years of underfunding, as schools face larger and more complex classrooms. Several divisions warned that salary increases alone exceed the new funding, forcing difficult budget choices and raising the likelihood of higher property taxes.
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