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USA
9th October 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Education groups warn FCC against E-Rate cuts

A new economic study commissioned by the Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband (SHLB) Coalition has estimated that eliminating the federal E-Rate program, which provides affordable broadband connectivity to schools and libraries, would reduce U.S. GDP by approximately $4.2bn annually. Conducted by The Brattle Group, the research found that removing $2.6bn in annual funding could also reduce wages by $2.8bn and tax revenues by $1.5bn, with every $1 cut generating approximately $1.60 in lost economic activity. Researchers warned that schools and libraries would likely maintain internet connectivity by diverting funding from staffing, educational programs, and other priorities. The findings come as the Federal Communications Commission considers eliminating or restricting the program, with public comments due October 13. “E-Rate is essential for sustaining school connectivity and helping districts meet growing instructional, technology, and operational demands to provide all students with a high-quality education," commented James Rowan, CAE, SFO, CEO/Executive Director, ASBO International. The study was supported by AASA, ALA, AESA, ASBO International, CoSN, InnovateEDU, NCTET, NREA, and SIIA.

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LEGISLATION

Democratic Congressional victory could trigger major shift in Trump’s K-12 education agenda

Democrats could significantly reshape federal education policy if they gain control of either chamber of Congress in the November 3 midterm elections, prioritizing oversight of the Trump administration’s restructuring of the Department of Education and increased funding for public schools. Democratic lawmakers have pledged to investigate the transfer of federal education responsibilities to other agencies, strengthen enforcement of existing education and civil rights laws, and potentially reverse the administration’s school choice initiatives. Proposals include tripling Title I funding for disadvantaged students, investing $130bn in school infrastructure, establishing a $60,000 minimum teacher salary, and expanding special education and prekindergarten funding. Democrats may also seek to repeal the federal tax credit scholarship program, which the administration estimates could reach $26bn annually by 2030. Potential areas for bipartisan cooperation, meanwhile, include early childhood education, career training, broadband funding, and safeguards governing artificial intelligence and student data.

Texas Democrats propose new limits on state takeovers of public school districts

Democratic lawmakers in Houston are proposing legislation to restrict state takeovers of struggling school districts following concerns about accountability, teacher morale, and financial sustainability at Houston ISD (HISD). A commission has recommended raising the takeover threshold to 10% of district campuses receiving failing ratings, requiring interventions to end after two consecutive years of acceptable academic performance, and giving local voters greater influence through referendums. Lawmakers also want state-appointed officials to collaborate with elected school trustees rather than excluding them from decision-making. The proposals come as HISD faces declining enrollment, staffing adjustments, and financial pressures under state-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles. However, supporters of the takeover point to significant academic improvements, with the number of failing campuses falling from 56 to five over three years. Miles maintains that the district’s reforms remain financially sustainable despite enrollment-related budget challenges.

DISTRICTS

Chicago schools seek uniform student fees and greater financial relief for families

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) has proposed standardizing fees across district schools to improve consistency and affordability for families. The changes would establish a district-level committee to set fees for activities such as field trips, sports uniforms, and graduation, while allowing individual schools to request adjustments. CPS also plans to expand fee waiver eligibility to students experiencing homelessness or living in temporary housing and introduce a clearer appeals process. Families denied waivers would have 30 days to appeal, with payments suspended until a final decision is made. The proposals come as approximately 69% of CPS students come from low-income households, raising concerns about the financial burden of school fees. A Board of Education committee unanimously recommended the changes, which will be considered by the full board on October 22.

Fort Worth ISD students petition for greater teacher flexibility amid state takeover

More than 50 Fort Worth ISD students have launched an online petition urging district leaders to ease classroom restrictions introduced following the Texas Education Agency's takeover in March 2026. The petition had received 1,370 signatures by Wednesday morning. Students argue that mandatory scripted lessons, rigid schedules, and frequent classroom monitoring are increasing stress for teachers and limiting opportunities for questions, discussion, and individualized learning. They also report factual, spelling, and translation errors in instructional materials. The concerns echo complaints from teachers and parents about increased micromanagement, reduced classroom flexibility, and a lack of transparency. The district experienced a surge in teacher resignations following the takeover. District officials acknowledged the petition, defended their commitment to improving academic performance, and said student feedback has already influenced some changes.

Green Bay Schools reviews student discipline and safety measures

Green Bay Area Public Schools (GBAPS) is developing new student behavior policies more than a year after a gun and ammunition were discovered in a student's backpack at Preble High School. Superintendent Michael Hernandez is leading efforts to establish consistent disciplinary standards across district schools, improve student safety, and introduce alternatives to suspension. The district delayed broader policy changes to allow Hernandez to shape the strategy after taking office, although it previously introduced supervised transition periods for students returning from suspensions involving violent or unsafe behavior. School officials also rejected a proposed weapons detector program over cost concerns. Hernandez is consulting teachers and administrators to identify behavioral challenges and appropriate responses, emphasizing the connection between school safety, attendance, and academic achievement. The School Board expects a proposed strategy before the end of 2026.

Up to 14 Portland schools face closure

Portland Public Schools is facing growing opposition and divisions among board members over proposals to close up to 14 schools, redraw attendance boundaries, and reorganize academic programs, potentially affecting 27% of the district's 42,000 students. The proposals aim to address declining enrollment, rising operating costs, and repeated budget cuts by consolidating facilities and concentrating resources in fewer schools. However, board members have raised concerns about transportation expenses, overcrowding, student support services, and the impact on teachers and staff. Hundreds of parents, students, and educators protested the plans during a packed school board meeting. While some board members support the proposed direction, others are questioning its financial benefits and potential disruption to communities. Superintendent Kimberlee Armstrong is expected to recommend one of two closure scenarios in mid-November, alongside further details on projected savings, academic programming, and staffing arrangements. The board is scheduled to make a final decision in December.

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Schools face pollution, noise, and rising energy costs as AI data centers multiply

The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) data centers near schools is raising concerns about student health, learning conditions, and rising operating costs. According to research cited by Education Week, approximately 1,878 schools are located within one mile of an existing or planned data center. Health experts warn that air pollution, constant noise, and nighttime lighting could affect children's respiratory health, sleep, concentration, and academic performance. Schools also face potential financial pressures from increased electricity demand and higher utility bills. In Virginia, educators have been asked to conserve electricity amid rising costs, while communities in Maryland have challenged data center developments near elementary schools. In Frederick County, Maryland, officials rejected a proposed agreement that included $30m for school renovations and extended restrictions on new data center applications until July 2027. Experts recommend air-quality monitoring, noise assessments, improved building insulation, and air filtration to help protect students.

FINANCE

Hawaii schools request $80.6m funding increase

The Hawaii Department of Education has requested an additional $80.6m in general funds for fiscal 2028-29, primarily to maintain essential school services, address rising operating costs, and support student achievement. Its proposed biennial budget includes $69.45m in additional funding for 2027-28, alongside plans to add 20 permanent positions in the first year and 52 in the second. Key priorities include school meals, special education, facility maintenance, literacy and mathematics coaching, workforce development, and technology upgrades. The request follows a $1.71m reduction in the department’s general-fund base budget for 2026-27, when operating expenditures total $2.37bn. Despite declining enrollment and ongoing fiscal pressures, officials argue that funding must reflect students’ broader needs. The proposal requires Board of Education approval before consideration by the governor and state Legislature.

TECHNOLOGY

Cloud-based content filtering helps districts balance digital safety and learning access

U.S. school districts are increasingly adopting cloud-based Domain Name System (DNS) and content filtering tools to protect students online while maintaining access to educational resources. Platforms such as GoGuardian, Lightspeed, and Securly use artificial intelligence and machine learning to identify inappropriate websites, detect proxy services, and defend against phishing, malware, and ransomware. Unlike traditional filtering systems, cloud-based solutions protect school devices both on and off campus while allowing districts to customize access by grade level. Missouri’s Camdenton R-III School District uses GoGuardian to detect suspicious browsing activity, while Ohio’s Chagrin Falls schools use it to monitor classroom devices and flag potential self-harm, bullying, and safety threats. These integrated platforms also support regulatory compliance, parental oversight, and classroom management. However, educators emphasize the importance of balancing online protection with students’ ability to research, explore, and learn independently.

WORKFORCE

New federal tax deduction extends financial support to early childhood educators

The bipartisan Early-Childhood Educators’ Deductions (SEED) Act, signed into law on September 19, has expanded the federal educator expense deduction to include preschool and early childhood educators for the first time. The legislation allows eligible educators to deduct up to $350 annually for classroom supplies purchased with their own money, extending a benefit previously reserved for K-12 teachers. The change comes amid persistent pay disparities and workforce retention challenges, with early childhood educators earning an average of $13.07 per hour, according to a 2024 analysis. A separate study found that 44% of early childhood employees surveyed across eight states left the profession between 2023 and 2025. Education advocates have welcomed the legislation as recognition of early educators’ professional contributions but emphasized that broader improvements in salaries, benefits, and working conditions remain necessary.

CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION

Falling enrollment and aging buildings drive Springfield school closure discussions

Springfield Public Schools in Missouri is considering school closures and consolidations as declining enrollment, aging facilities, and rising costs threaten the district's long-term financial stability. A districtwide assessment identified $422m in immediate facility improvements, including urgent plumbing, heating, and ventilation repairs. Capital needs could reach $1.1bn over the next decade, leaving an estimated $532m funding gap. Student enrollment is projected to decline by approximately 3,200 over the next 10 years, falling below 19,000 by 2035-36. With roughly 30,000 available seats, the district faces growing underutilization and higher operating costs per student. Officials say operating fewer, better-equipped schools could help preserve educational quality while reducing expenses. Community meetings are scheduled for October 19 and 20, with recommendations expected in December and a final facilities plan anticipated in spring 2027.

HIGHER EDUCATION

Trump administration launches J-1 visa investigations into nine major U.S. universities

Vice President JD Vance has announced federal investigations into nine universities over alleged misuse of the J-1 visa program, which allows international students and researchers to study and work in the United States. The institutions include Harvard, Yale, Stanford, Brown, MIT, Caltech, Arizona State, the University of Pittsburgh, and UC Davis. Vance alleged that universities are using foreign researchers to reduce labor costs, claiming American graduate researchers earn approximately $20,000 more than J-1 visa holders. He also cited a 61% J-1 visa usage rate on federally funded grants at the targeted institutions, compared with a national average of 38%. Labor Department officials confirmed that subpoenas have been issued and investigations are underway. Several universities defended their compliance with federal visa laws and emphasized the contributions of international researchers. The investigations represent another escalation in the administration's scrutiny of higher education and international academic recruitment.

INTERNATIONAL

French government deploys 3,000 substitute teachers

The French government has announced plans to deploy 3,000 substitute teachers to struggling high schools following widespread student protests over teacher shortages and inadequate education resources. Education Minister Edouard Geffray said the additional teachers would be assigned to schools between October 9 and 13. Approximately 71,500 demonstrators participated in protests nationwide on Thursday, including 24,500 in Paris, while police detained more than 500 people. Demonstrations have been marked by clashes between protesters and security forces, with hundreds injured and allegations of excessive police force prompting 18 internal investigations. The government has also suspended the use of stun grenades following a serious injury to a 15-year-old protester. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has promised a broader response by the end of October, while the proposed 2027 education budget includes a 1.4% increase to €90.9bn ($101.9bn). The unrest comes ahead of France’s 2027 presidential election, intensifying pressure on the government to address concerns over school funding and student safety. 

AND FINALLY......

Procrastination 'is the biggest issue for university students'

Procrastination significantly impacts students' academic performance, according to a U.S. study involving over 65,000 young people. Nearly 50% of respondents identified procrastination as a major barrier to their studies, surpassing issues including depression and anxiety. The study warns of a situation where procrastination leads to stress, sleep issues, and further procrastination. Itamar Shatz, the study's author, said: "Pretty much all of us procrastinate, but it's not a huge impediment for all of us. For the people that it is, it can be huge . . . It's an obstacle that can interfere with academic success, with success in the workplace, it can cause issues in relationships, it can cause stress, it can cause health issues and stop us reaching out for help."
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