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USA
9th July 2026
 

THE HOT STORY

Education Department proposes ending school desegregation support program

The U.S. Department of Education has proposed eliminating the nation's Equity Assistance Centers (EACs), renewing efforts by the Trump administration to shut down the federally funded program despite previous legal challenges. The department argues that the regional structure created under the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is no longer necessary and is considering transferring some services to the Department of Justice as part of a broader restructuring of civil rights enforcement. The proposal follows earlier attempts to end the program, including funding cuts and grant terminations that prompted lawsuits. Critics argue the centers remain in high demand, pointing to assistance provided to hundreds of school districts and schools, while warning the move comes as research shows racial and economic segregation in U.S. public schools has increased over recent decades. The public comment period on the proposal closes July 27.

DISTRICTS

Miami-Dade excludes DPS superintendent from semifinalists

Denver Public Schools Superintendent Alex Marrero said he remains "unapologetically committed" to Denver after failing to advance to the semifinal round in the search for the next Miami-Dade County Public Schools superintendent. Marrero, one of 21 applicants, was not among the six semifinalists, with reports indicating he may not have met the district's requirement for public school classroom teaching or equivalent instructional experience. In a statement, Marrero defended his record in Denver, citing higher graduation rates, improved academic performance, and the district's support for immigrant, Black, Latino, and LGBTQ students. He said he would not abandon his commitment to equity to align with shifting political priorities and pledged to remain focused on leading Denver Public Schools.

LEGAL

Judges send religious expression provision back for further review

A federal appeals court has ruled that private religious schools in Maine that receive public tuition funding must comply with the state's anti-discrimination laws, including protections based on gender identity, sexual orientation, and religion. The First Circuit Court of Appeals largely upheld a lower court's decision rejecting requests by Saint Dominic Academy and Bangor Christian Schools for exemptions that would have allowed admissions and other policies based on their religious beliefs. The court found that while publicly funded religious schools may continue to hire employees who share their faith and require students to participate in religious activities, they cannot discriminate against students in admissions based on protected characteristics. However, the judges directed the lower court to reconsider a provision governing religious expression, finding it could interfere with a school's ability to maintain its religious mission. The schools are considering an appeal, while the U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear a separate case later this year that could influence the legal framework surrounding public funding and religious schools.

FINANCE

State definitions may determine access to scholarship funding

Microschool operators are awaiting federal guidance on whether their programs will qualify for the new Federal Scholarship Tax Credit, as eligibility may depend on whether states classify them as private schools. Many microschools operate as tutoring centers, homeschool groups, or learning pods rather than formal private schools, raising concerns that some families could be excluded from the scholarship program despite Congress's broader intent. Industry leaders expect the Treasury Department to clarify the rules before the program launches in 2027, while some larger microschool networks are moving toward more formal private school structures to improve access to public funding. Supporters say the tax credit could make microschools more affordable for lower- and middle-income families, but eligibility is likely to vary by state.

Tennessee comptroller publishes forensic audit of Memphis-Shelby County Schools

A Tennessee comptroller's audit found more than $119m in questionable spending at Memphis-Shelby County Schools between fiscal years 2022 and 2024, including more than $54m in suspected waste, fraud, and abuse. The report highlighted concerns over a $48.4m custodial services contract that auditors say may have been improperly influenced, as well as a $3.1m renovation contract involving an alleged conflict of interest, incomplete work, and potential misuse of federal grant funds. Comptroller Jason Mumpower said the findings have been referred to local and federal prosecutors and could lead to criminal indictments. The school district said the audit covers actions that predate the current administration and pledged to review the report and implement any additional improvements, while state officials renewed calls for local leaders to drop their legal challenge to a new state-appointed oversight board.

Austin ISD targets $60m from property sales to support future budgets

Austin ISD plans to sell the former Dawson and Sunset Valley elementary schools, two of the 10 campuses closed this summer, as part of efforts to stabilize its finances after cutting a $181m budget deficit. The Texan district is targeting $60m in property sales, including the pending sale of the former Rosedale School, to provide one-time funding and help avoid future budget shortfalls. The district expects the school closures to generate about $21m in annual savings, although much of that funding will be reinvested in remaining campuses. Austin ISD also plans to lease part of the Bedichek Middle School property, retain ownership of several closed schools for community or educational uses, and gather public feedback on future redevelopment, as it responds to a 20% enrollment decline since 2011 that has reduced state funding.

Boston seeks reimbursement for rising school mental health costs

The City of Boston has filed a lawsuit against Meta, TikTok, Snapchat, and YouTube, alleging the companies deliberately designed addictive social media platforms that have contributed to worsening student mental health and forced Boston Public Schools to significantly expand counseling and support services. The city says the percentage of students reporting persistent sadness rose from 27% in 2015 to 44% in 2021, while the district has increased its mental health staffing to 240 social workers and 105 school psychologists. The lawsuit seeks a court order requiring the companies to remove features such as endless scrolling, excessive notifications, and algorithm-driven engagement, strengthen age verification, and reimburse the city for the cost of providing expanded student mental health services.

TECHNOLOGY

Schools embed AI and Universal Design for Learning to improve accessibility

K–12 school districts are increasingly using artificial intelligence (AI) and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles to make accessibility a core part of classroom design, benefiting all students rather than only those with formal accommodations. Speaking at ISTELive 26, Lenovo's Tara Nattrass said districts should focus on how AI handles student data, emphasizing that AI-enabled devices can keep sensitive information stored locally. Meanwhile, CAST's Christine Fox said AI can help deliver seamless, built-in accessibility across devices, ensuring students have consistent access to learning tools regardless of their individual needs.

NYC schools await stricter AI policy before making new purchases

New York City Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels has asked principals to pause purchases of educational software until the Education Department finalizes updated artificial intelligence (AI) guidance later this summer. The temporary freeze, which exempts software needed for mandated services or school opening, is intended to limit the adoption of new AI-enabled tools as the city develops stricter policies following criticism that its initial guidance did not adequately address AI risks. The delay has created uncertainty for school leaders, many of whom have already finalized budgets and technology plans for the upcoming school year. Education Department officials have also begun surveying schools to better understand which software products, including AI-enabled tools, are currently in use across the district.

NUTRITION

USDA continues investment in farm-to-school partnerships

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced the second cohort of its FY 2026 Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grant Program, awarding funding to 16 projects that will increase the use of locally sourced ingredients in school meals and expand agricultural education through initiatives such as school gardens and farm visits. The awards are part of nearly $20m allocated this year to support 68 projects across 37 states. The latest grants come as the USDA begins updating school nutrition standards to align with the 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which recommend reducing ultra-processed foods. The department said the program will help schools expand scratch-made meals while creating new market opportunities for local farmers.

HIGHER EDUCATION

Bipartisan senators propose expanding federal aid for prior learning credits

Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tim Sheehy (R-MT) have introduced bipartisan legislation that would allow students to use up to $2,000 in federal financial aid to pay for prior learning assessments, which award college credit for knowledge and skills gained through work or other experiences outside the classroom. The Credit for Prior Learning Act aims to reduce financial barriers, helping students earn degrees more quickly and lower their overall tuition costs. The proposal reflects growing bipartisan support for alternative education and workforce pathways as concerns over the cost of traditional four-year degrees continue to grow. Research cited by the bill's sponsors suggests adult learners who receive credit through prior learning assessments are significantly more likely to complete their degrees.

INTERNATIONAL

Quebec students face temporary disruption accessing exam scores online

Thousands of students and parents across Quebec were temporarily unable to access official provincial exam results on Tuesday after technical problems affected the Government Authentication Service (SAG) portal used by the Ministry of Education. The outage, which also disrupted phone lines, prevented users from logging in to view ministry exam scores. Education Minister Sonia LeBel said ministry teams worked throughout the day to resolve the issue, and by the afternoon the online portal was once again allowing students and parents to access exam results. The Ministry said it will continue investigating the cause of the outage to help prevent similar incidents in the future. To minimize the impact of the disruption, the Ministry of Education instructed school service centers, school boards, and private schools to directly contact students at risk of failing so they could receive timely guidance on their results and any necessary next steps.
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