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USA
23rd October 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Calley Means leaves White House health team amid setbacks to MAHA food policy push

Calley Means, a key adviser to Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has resigned from the Trump administration amid reported White House delays in implementing major food policy reforms. A prominent figure in the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement, Means helped advance efforts to eliminate synthetic food dyes, tighten oversight of chemical additives, and restrict soda and candy purchases through federal food assistance programs. His departure follows delays to proposals requiring food manufacturers to demonstrate the safety of certain ingredients in ultra-processed foods, alongside postponed guidance on defining these products. Kennedy and the White House praised Means’ contributions, while the administration has disputed claims that its food reform agenda has stalled. His resignation follows several other departures and leadership changes involving MAHA-aligned officials.

BLENDED LEARNING

An Administrator's Guide to Blended Learning

Online learning doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing approach. Explore blended learning with this comprehensive guide from FlexPoint®, which includes:
  • Worksheets to define your school’s needs
  • Outline of blended learning classroom models
  • List of questions to ask curriculum providers
  • Best practices for educator training
  • Instructional strategies and tips
  • Key benefits for you, students, and staff
Download the FlexPoint guide to find the right mix of face-to-face and online instruction for your school or district.

Download Free Guide

 

FINANCE

Iowa City schools face $45m financial shortfall

The Iowa City Community School District is facing a financial crisis after years of inaccurate reporting contributed to approximately $45m in overspending from its capital projects fund. Officials discovered that $30m in bond payments had not been recorded in 2023, creating an inflated picture of available funding and contributing to spending beyond the district's means. The district's Financial Oversight Committee has recommended hiring an independent consultant to reconcile accounts before making major decisions about school closures, staffing reductions, and program cuts. The district is considering $32.5m in budget reductions over four years amid declining enrollment and limited state funding increases. Committee members warned that unreliable financial data could undermine these decisions, while officials expect greater clarity following the fiscal year 2026 audit in March 2027.

Sacramento City USD revises arts spending report

Sacramento City USD has corrected a reporting error that initially suggested it had left $1.8m of its $6.3m Proposition 28 arts and music education funding unspent. The California district confirmed that it had used its entire allocation and would not be required to return any money to the state. Officials attributed the discrepancy to a clerical error that excluded expenditures from the 2024–25 school year. The corrected report was submitted to the California Department of Education, although compliance remains subject to independent annual audits. The district said the funding has supported the addition of 32.4 full-time-equivalent arts positions. The clarification comes as Sacramento City USD faces a $222m structural budget deficit and mounting pressure to develop a sustainable financial recovery plan.

DISTRICTS

Florida school district approves teacher and staff raises

Hillsborough County’s school board has approved new contracts providing pay increases for the Florida district's teachers and support staff, with retroactive payments dating to July 1. Ratified by 92% of instructional employees and 94% of support professionals, the agreements move eligible workers up one salary step and introduce one-time payments of $1,500 or $2,250 for qualifying employees at the top of their pay scales. School psychologists will receive a revised salary schedule, while bereavement leave has been introduced for the first time. Although union representatives welcomed the agreements, they criticized inadequate state education funding, rising health insurance costs, and declining enrollment linked to school vouchers. Teachers also warned that the increases remain insufficient to offset inflation and growing household expenses.

New York City weighs school closures and mergers

New York City is considering closing the Urban Assembly School for Global Commerce in Harlem as falling enrollment creates financial and educational challenges across the city's public school system. The school currently enrolls just 112 students, a 39% decline over five years. Citywide K–12 enrollment has dropped by approximately 170,000 students over the past decade to around 790,000, leaving 224 schools with 200 or fewer students. The proposed closure remains under consideration and would require public hearings and approval from the Panel for Educational Policy. More than 90% of Global Commerce students are Black or Latino, and more than 90% live in poverty, raising concerns about the impact on vulnerable communities. Education officials say additional mergers or closures may be necessary to maintain sustainable school programs.

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Caffeine pouches face school bans as experts warn of health risks

Schools across the U.S. are introducing bans on caffeine pouches amid concerns about their potential health risks, discreet use, and resemblance to nicotine products. The small oral packets, placed between the lip and gum, can contain up to 200 milligrams of caffeine, equivalent to approximately two cups of coffee. Health experts warn that excessive consumption can cause anxiety, sleep disturbances, increased heart rate, and, in severe cases, seizures. School districts in New York, Kansas, Pennsylvania, and Missouri have restricted the products, citing difficulties identifying their contents and monitoring student use. Although there is no federal minimum purchase age, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children avoid caffeine. Experts are also concerned that teenagers may unknowingly consume excessive amounts by combining pouches with energy drinks and other caffeinated products.

LEGISLATION

Pennsylvania moves to ban cell phones and smartwatches throughout the school day

Pennsylvania lawmakers have passed legislation banning student cell phone use throughout the school day, with Gov. Josh Shapiro expected to sign the measure into law. Beginning with the 2027–28 academic year, public and private K–12 schools must prohibit personal mobile devices, including smartphones and smartwatches, from the first bell to the last. Exceptions will apply for medical needs, disability accommodations, translation services, and approved educational activities. Supporters argue the restrictions will reduce classroom distractions, improve student engagement, and limit exposure to addictive social media. However, some school administrators have raised concerns about enforcement challenges, potential conflicts with students, and reduced local control over school policies. Districts must develop compliant policies before the new school year begins.

TECHNOLOGY

Student feedback helps school districts make smarter technology investments

K-12 school districts are being encouraged to incorporate student feedback into educational technology purchasing decisions to improve usability, learning outcomes, and the effectiveness of technology investments. Research from ISTE+ASCD suggests students favor intuitive, customizable tools over unnecessary features, highlighting the importance of involving them in procurement and testing. At New York's Pocantico Hills Central School District, educational technology director Alana Winnick has integrated student input into evaluations of laptops, headphones, interactive displays, and software. Students have provided practical feedback on device weight, screen quality, accessibility, and functionality, helping administrators identify issues that might otherwise be overlooked. Winnick emphasizes that building strong relationships with students enables more meaningful feedback, supports better purchasing decisions, and ensures technology investments reflect the needs of students and educators.

LEGAL

New Jersey appeals court weighs school segregation lawsuit

A New Jersey appeals court has heard arguments in a longstanding lawsuit alleging that the state's school district boundaries perpetuate racial and economic segregation. Filed in 2018 by the Latino Action Network and other advocates, the case challenges residency-based enrollment rules affecting 23 school districts across eight counties. A 2023 ruling found school segregation unconstitutional but stopped short of holding the state responsible. Plaintiffs argue that approximately half of Black and Latino students attend schools where at least 90% of students are nonwhite, and are seeking remedies including expanded magnet schools, interdistrict enrollment, and changes to district boundaries. State attorneys dispute whether enrollment data sufficiently establishes legal liability. The appellate decision could reshape school assignment policies and potentially lead to further proceedings before New Jersey's Supreme Court.

LITERACY

New Mexico targets reading crisis with mandatory parental alerts

New Mexico's new literacy reform law requires public schools to notify parents in writing within 30 days when assessments identify reading difficulties, aiming to improve literacy outcomes in a state ranked last nationally for reading proficiency. Schools must also provide monthly progress reports and personalized at-home reading plans outlining strategies to strengthen literacy skills. The legislation addresses a significant gap between parental perceptions and student performance: a survey found that 88% of responding parents believed their fourth graders were reading at or above grade level, while national assessment data indicated that only 20% met that benchmark. Education advocates argue that timely communication can help families access tutoring, summer programs, and other interventions. However, successful implementation will depend on staff training, meaningful family engagement, and schools' capacity to meet additional reporting requirements.

RECRUITMENT

Research highlights mentorship and representation as key to recruiting more men into education

North Carolina Central University (NCCU) has published research examining the factors influencing men's decisions to pursue careers in education, highlighting the importance of mentorship, family encouragement, and early exposure to teaching opportunities. Funded by a $500,000 Walton Family Foundation grant, the qualitative study interviewed 15 participants across the North Carolina Research Triangle, including high school students, undergraduates, and educators. The findings come as men account for just 21% of North Carolina's public school teachers, despite representing approximately 51% of K-12 students. Nationally, Black and Hispanic men collectively represent less than 4% of public school teachers. Researchers identified parental influence, community involvement, and encouragement from former educators as key factors shaping career choices. NCCU has emphasized the need for greater male representation, stronger mentoring programs, and increased awareness of education-related careers to help diversify and strengthen the educator workforce.

Maryland cuts teacher vacancy rate to 0.9% through recruitment and workforce investments

Maryland has reported a 70% reduction in teacher vacancies, with unfilled positions falling from 2,145 in the 2022–23 school year to approximately 572 in 2026–27. The statewide vacancy rate has declined from 3.4% to 0.9%, with officials attributing the improvement to targeted recruitment, retention, and professional development initiatives. Gov. Wes Moore highlighted the Grow Your Own program, which supports teacher apprenticeships and workforce diversity, alongside nearly $15m in grants benefiting 845 educators in high-need areas. The state has also invested $14.2m in instructional coaching for literacy and math teachers. Anne Arundel County recorded particularly strong progress, reducing vacancies from 283 to 16. Officials emphasized that competitive compensation, training opportunities, and supportive school environments remain essential to sustaining improvements.

ABSENTEEISM

Indiana's chronic absenteeism rate falls for fourth consecutive year

Indiana's K-12 schools have reported a fourth consecutive annual decline in chronic absenteeism, with the statewide rate falling to just under 15% in 2026, compared with a peak of 21% in 2022. However, attendance remains a significant concern among high school students, with 30% of seniors missing at least 10% of the 2025-26 school year. State education officials have identified student disengagement as a contributing factor and are introducing new diploma pathways designed to make high school education more relevant to future careers. Attendance improvements have also been recorded among at-risk student groups, while targeted family outreach has helped some districts achieve substantial reductions in absenteeism. Academic disparities remain pronounced, with 74% of chronically absent students passing the state reading assessment, compared with 90% of regularly attending students. 

INTERNATIONAL

Japan proposes paid teacher training program to cut qualification time

Japan’s education ministry has announced plans to introduce a one-year graduate school program allowing working adults to transition into teaching careers, as the government seeks to address teacher shortages. The proposed initiative, targeted for introduction in fiscal 2030, would enable university graduates to qualify for elementary, junior high, or high school teaching licenses after completing at least 36 credits, including classroom instruction and practical school training. Participants would receive pay during their practical placements while working under temporary teaching licenses, reducing financial barriers to career changes. The program would also recognize previous professional experience toward licensing requirements, significantly shortening the current three-year qualification process. The ministry plans to submit legislation to parliament in 2027.
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