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Brendan Carr, chair of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), has proposed ending subsidies for wireless internet on school buses, a program initiated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Carr criticized the previous administration's policies, arguing that they "failed to demonstrate that these funding decisions would advance legitimate classroom or library purposes." The U.S. Senate previously voted to repeal these subsidies, with Senate Commerce Committee chair Ted Cruz (R-TX) highlighting concerns over parental consent and filtering requirements for the distributed hotspots. Former FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel had supported the program, arguing it would assist students, particularly those in rural areas, in completing homework during long bus rides.

 

Reuters

The debate over dress codes in K-12 education continues to evoke strong opinions among educators. A recent EdWeek LinkedIn Poll revealed that 49% of nearly 700 respondents believe dress codes enhance student focus, while 14% argue they create distractions. Supporters claim dress codes reduce class divides and prepare students for the workforce, emphasizing the importance of professionalism. Conversely, critics argue that such policies can unfairly target specific groups, particularly girls, and perpetuate gender biases. Elizabeth Heubeck, a staff writer for Education Week, highlights the complexity of the issue, noting that while some guidelines are necessary, overly strict or vague dress codes can detract from the learning environment. As one respondent commented: "Dress codes sanctify conformity, not discipline," reflecting the ongoing tension between maintaining order and allowing individuality in schools.

 

Education Week News

In response to the Trump administration's immigration raids, California lawmakers are advancing legislation to enhance protections for immigrants in schools and hospitals. Assemblymember Christopher Ward emphasized the need for "smart, sensible solutions" to ensure safe communities. Key bills include Senate Bill 98, which mandates school administrators to inform families of federal immigration operations on campuses, and Assembly Bill 49, which restricts immigration agents' access to nonpublic school areas without a warrant. Additionally, Senate Bill 81 aims to protect patients' immigration status in healthcare settings. These measures are designed to create safe environments for students and families, as highlighted by Los Angeles USD school board member Rocio Rivas, who stated they provide "critical protections" for those affected by immigration enforcement. The legislation awaits Governor Gavin Newsom's approval.

 

Los Angeles Times

The Trump administration is leveraging civil rights laws to threaten school districts with federal funding cuts. In April, the U.S. Department of Education investigated Chicago Public Schools over a "Black Students Success Plan," claiming it discriminated against other races. In July, five Virginia districts were found in violation of Title IX for allowing transgender students to use facilities based on gender identity. Julie Hartman, an Education Department spokeswoman, said: "We have a legal obligation to ensure that federal funds are not sponsoring discrimination against students." The stakes are high, as districts resisting these directives risk losing crucial funding that supports vulnerable students, including those with disabilities and those living in poverty.

 

NPR / National Public Radio

On November 4, voters in Ankeny, Iowa, will decide on a $130m bond issue aimed at enhancing the Ankeny Community School District. The proposal includes an $80m "Innovative Hub" at Northview Middle School, designed to provide career and technical education for 500 to 750 students. The district said: "Among the many possibilities, students may shadow industry professionals in fields like biotechnology, engineering, or computer science." Additionally, the bond would fund new athletic performance centers and fine arts facilities, costing $37m, along with $6m for new baseball and softball fields. Importantly, the district assures that property taxes will not increase if the bond is approved, maintaining the current debt service levy at $2.59 per $1,000 of property valuation. Failure to pass the bond could lead to "volatile and unpredictable" tax rates.

 

Des Moines Register

As the new school year begins, New York City's public schools are navigating significant changes amid local, state, and federal policy shifts. With the mayoral election approaching, Mayor Eric Adams faces challenges that could lead to new leadership in the Education Department. The city is also under pressure to comply with the class size reduction law, requiring 60% of classrooms to meet state-mandated caps. This year, 750 schools are hiring approximately 3,700 teachers to meet these requirements, with a budget of $450m allocated for compliance. Additionally, a statewide cellphone ban will restrict student device use during school hours. Advocates express concern over the impact of immigration enforcement on student attendance, as recent ICE actions have raised fears among immigrant families.

 

Chalkbeat

Des Moines Public Schools has sold KDPS 88.1 FM to Community Broadcasting Inc. for $175,000, ending the station's 70-year run under the district's auspices. The sale was approved unanimously by the school board, with little discussion. Phil Roeder, a spokesperson for DMPS, explained that the station's license limited potential buyers to educational, religious, or nonprofit broadcasters. The station, which began in 1953, was part of the district's broadcasting program but faced challenges such as maintenance costs and changes in technology. Neil Schroeder, DMPS' chief information officer, said: "Part of that is we want to repatriate that into the program," referring to the funds from the sale being reinvested into educational initiatives.

 

DesMoines Register.com

Portland Public Schools is facing pressure from a group of parents advocating for the closure of Access Academy, a specialized school for gifted students. The petition, which has gathered around 40 signatures, argues that the $3.4m annual cost of Access should be redirected to underenrolled neighborhood schools. Parent Nicholas Hengen Fox said: “Our preference would be to bring the money... to the neighborhood schools and serve kids there.” In contrast, Access families argue for the program's expansion, citing a waitlist of 340 students. Parent Jonathan Pulvers questioned the proposal to eliminate Access, suggesting instead to “increase supply.” The district has been warned by the Oregon Department of Education about its compliance with state requirements for gifted education, highlighting the ongoing debate over the future of Access Academy amidst declining enrollment projections.

 

OregonLive.com

In recent weeks, federal courts have rejected efforts to display the Ten Commandments in public schools, prompting states to explore alternative routes for faith-based education. Iowa, Montana, Ohio, and Texas have enacted laws allowing students to attend off-campus religious instruction, known as “released time.” This approach, which has been adopted by at least 12 states, is seen as more constitutionally viable since it occurs off school grounds and is parent-permitted. Jennifer Jury, a program advocate for LifeWise Academy, stated, “Not every family has access to private or parochial school, but for many generations families have been able to take their students out of school for a portion of the day for religious education if they choose.” The movement is supported by organizations like the American Legislative Exchange Council, which promotes model legislation for released time policies.

 

Education Week News

Parent advocates have successfully reached a settlement with Los Angeles USD to address academic inequities exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The agreement mandates high-dose tutoring for 100,000 students, ensuring “over 10m hours of guaranteed high-dose tutoring over the next three school years,” according to the advocates. The settlement aims to provide at least 45 hours of tutoring per year, with sessions tailored to individual student needs. Maritza Gonzalez, a plaintiff in the case, expressed relief that her daughter will have access to necessary academic support, stating, “While it comes too late for my eldest son... I'm relieved to know that my daughter... will have access to the tutoring she needs to succeed.” The settlement also includes regular assessments, teacher training, and improved public reporting on student performance.

 

Los Angeles Times

U.S. News

Florida plans to eliminate all state vaccine mandates, including those for school children, as announced by state Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo. This unprecedented move would make Florida the first state in the U.S. to withdraw from requirements that have historically boosted vaccination rates and prevented disease outbreaks. The decision raises concerns about potential declines in immunization against serious diseases like polio and measles, especially as Florida already leads the Southeast in non-medical vaccine exemptions among kindergartners. Critics argue that this stance undermines public health efforts, despite vaccines saving over 1.1 million children's lives in the U.S. and significantly reducing healthcare costs. “When we have outbreaks in schools, those children go home to their families. That’s when we get infants with measles, or elderly people with pertussis that puts them in the hospital,” said Lynn Nelson, president of the National Association of School Nurses, adding that Florida's policy push "is a doorway to a public health crisis that is 100% preventable.”

 

CNBC

Education Week News

New York Times

Politico

School leaders are still facing transportation challenges in their schools and districts, according to surveys conducted by the Associated Press and the University of Chicago’s NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. Eighty percent of respondents cited bus driver shortages, 73% said budget limitations are hampering operations, and 83% said educators have had to excuse themselves from their core responsibilities to address transportation needs. Additionally, of the administrators who said bus driver shortages are a problem, almost half (46%) said it’s a major problem. Among the solutions used to address these issues are centralized pick-up and drop-off points for students using school buses; improved local pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure; and employing school-arranged supplemental transportation services. 

 

K-12 Dive

Human rights group Education Equality (EE) has warned that some schools in Ireland are still asking parents about their children's religion during pre-enrolment, despite the existence of measures discouraging the practice. The Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018 explicitly prohibits schools from prioritising applications based on religion and the Data Protection Commission (DPC) said it would be “considered excessive” for schools to collect personal data such as baptismal certificates or “place of baptism.” “This has caused distress to parents, undermined the intent behind recent admissions legislation, and created a perception that discriminatory practices are continuing behind closed doors,” said EE communications officer David Graham. “There is little point in passing legislation designed to uphold families’ right to freedom of religion and belief if schools are given free rein to operate as they please.” A spokesperson for the Department of Education said: “The Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018 determines the selection criteria that can be applied by schools in their admissions policies, and only data relevant to a school’s admissions policy should be requested at pre-enrolment [...] Schools must comply with their GDPR obligations around how they collect and use personal data.”

 

Irish Independent