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At the Association of School Business Officials International's recent conference, school finance leaders expressed deep concern over future federal funding. Key programs like Title I, IDEA, and school lunch reimbursements are seen as vital, but the Trump administration has proposed slashing or eliminating Titles II, III, and McKinney-Vento. Some districts, like Parkrose in Oregon, are budgeting zero for vulnerable programs due to uncertainty. “It’s too risky for a district to budget something and then not get it. Especially if you have staffing associated with that federal funding, it's not fair to those staff,” said Sharie Lewis, the district's director of business services. Cuts could mean staff layoffs and canceled academic initiatives, forcing districts to rethink how they allocate limited funds. Other leaders said they are accustomed to finding solutions to financial problems; one chief financial officer  told attendees her district generated revenue to cover a massive budget deficit with strategies like selling naming rights to buildings and stadiums, raising student parking fees for the first time in 15 years, and charging more for outside organizations to use district facilities. Another official suggested streamlining employee health-insurance costs by offering a stipend worth thousands of dollars to employees who opt out of district plans. 

 

Education Week News

Connect Students’ Math Classrooms to the Real World

When students do not see a connection between their math classroom and their everyday lives, math learning can feel pointless. How many times do math teachers hear, “When will I ever use this?” When you transform mathematics from a classroom subject into a lens with which students see, evaluate, and describe their world, students experience the true power of math.

One effective approach is a Math Walk, which uses real-world locations to find and solve mathematical problems. For example, a video might prompt students to use math to answer a question. Students are encouraged to observe and wonder about the scenario. They then identify what they already know, what information they need, and which math skills to apply. This transforms an ordinary video into an engaging opportunity for students to become active math explorers who make meaningful connections and recognize math as a problem-solving tool outside the classroom. 

Learn More and Download Classroom Resources Now!

 

Rep. Torrey Harris, a Memphis Democrat, has introduced House Bill 1448, which would enable recall elections for school boards and other local offices in Tennessee. The legislation aims to enhance accountability by allowing local residents to petition for a recall if elected officials fail to represent community values. Harris said: "This legislation is about restoring the power of accountability where it belongs — with the people." The bill follows a controversial superintendent firing and is part of ongoing efforts to address governance issues within the Memphis-Shelby County School District. The Shelby County Commission is also considering a vote on whether to override Mayor Lee Harris's veto of a resolution to reset school board elections in 2026. Rep. Mark White expressed the need for citizens to have the right to recall officials who do not serve them adequately.

 

Chalkbeat

At least 1,000 students from Chicago Public Schools (CPS) encountered technical difficulties during the High School Admissions Test (HSAT) earlier this month, impacting their ability to complete the exam or receive necessary accommodations. The issues particularly affected students with disabilities and English learners, who are entitled to additional time and other support. Sylvia Barragan, a CPS spokesperson, said: "The District continues to work in close collaboration with the testing vendor, school leaders, and families to address these issues and prevent future disruptions." CPS has offered affected students the option to retake the test or retain their original scores. The HSAT is crucial for entry into selective enrollment high schools, where underrepresented groups, including English learners and students with disabilities, face significant barriers.

 

Chalkbeat

The Indianapolis Local Education Alliance (ILEA) is exploring the possibility of a unified authority for traditional public and charter schools in Indianapolis. This concept, inspired by models from Denver and Washington, D.C., aims to create a universal accountability system and equitable enrollment practices for all schools. In Denver, charter and district schools agreed in 2010 to adhere to similar standards while receiving similar levels of funding, said Alyssa Whitehead-Bust, a former top official at Denver Public Schools who is now a partner at the Attuned Education Partners consulting firm. "A Strategic Regional Analysis” helps guide the city on when and where to open schools. Schools that meet needs outlined in the annual analysis can operate in a district-run facility and are part of a shared transportation system with district schools, she said. Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett emphasized the importance of understanding various models, commenting: "There are multiple options, and each have their strengths as well as their own shortcomings." The alliance is tasked with submitting recommendations to state lawmakers by the end of the year, with the next meeting scheduled for November 19.

 

Chalkbeat

Microsoft will provide its artificial intelligence (AI) technology to every public school district and community college in Washington as part of its Microsoft Elevate Washington initiative. This effort is part of a broader commitment to invest $4bn in technology-focused grants and free access to AI tools in education nationwide over the next five years. In Washington, Microsoft will offer access to AI tools and training to 295 school districts and 34 community colleges, along with $25,000 grants to support the creation and deployment of AI tools. Microsoft President Brad Smith said: "AI is starting to reshape the economy, locally, nationally and globally." The initiative aims to bridge the technology and opportunity gaps between urban and rural areas, ensuring that students are prepared for future job markets. Through this program, students will receive various Microsoft 365 applications equipped with AI features, while teachers will receive training on integrating AI into their classrooms.

 

The Columbian

Seventeen parents, teachers, and organizations representing low-income families in eight districts have initiated a lawsuit against California's K-12 school funding system. Filed in Alameda County Superior Court, the lawsuit claims that the state's funding formula perpetuates inequity by relying on local property taxes for facility upgrades. The plaintiffs argue that this system disadvantages low-property-wealth districts, which struggle to raise funds for necessary repairs compared to their high-property-wealth counterparts. The San Francisco-based public interest law firm Public Advocates and pro bono counsel Morrison and Foerster are representing the plaintiffs. The lawsuit seeks a court ruling that the constitutional rights of children to equal educational opportunities have been violated, urging the Legislature and the governor to reform the funding system.

 

EdSource

Washington County may encounter legal challenges in selling the former University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee at Washington County campus to Ozaukee Christian School for $3 million. The Washington County Charitable Foundation has demanded that the county either withdraw from the sale or repay at least $1.2m, which was provided for a building project intended for public education. Erin Strobehn, an attorney representing the foundation, said: "By selling to a private entity, the County Board is terminating public access to the Campus and the public education function of the Collins Science Hall." Despite the foundation's claim, county spokeswoman Fran McLaughlin indicated that the county does not plan to withdraw from the sale, and legal counsel believes the foundation's notice will not succeed. The timeline for a potential lawsuit remains uncertain.

 

Miilwaukee Journal Sentinel

The ongoing federal government shutdown has delayed Impact Aid payments to 20 Wisconsin school districts, which rely on these funds to compensate for lost property tax revenue from federal lands. Marcus Denny, superintendent of the Menominee Indian School District, said: "It's a challenging time for us. Shutdowns have happened before, but we didn't anticipate it lasting this long.” The shutdown, now the second longest in history, has created financial uncertainty, particularly as layoffs at the U.S. Department of Education (ED) have further complicated the distribution of funds. While most federal education dollars continue to flow, Impact Aid is directly managed by the ED, making its timing unpredictable. Josh Ernst, superintendent of the Lac du Flambeau School District, emphasized the critical nature of these funds, saying: "We wouldn't be able to keep our doors open without Impact Aid. We won't get it as soon as we did in years past, but we're anticipating and hoping that that that money will eventually make its way here." The situation has left many districts scrambling to manage their budgets amid rising concerns over future funding stability.

 

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and eight other Democrats have called on the Department of Education to pressure Homeland Security to suspend immigration operations within 1,000 feet of schools, following reports of disruptive activity near Chicago classrooms. Their letter to Education Secretary Linda McMahon highlights incidents involving tear gas near Funston Elementary and the aggressive detention of two women outside a school, urging "common sense" restrictions similar to those placed on alcohol and drugs. Homeland Security has defended its actions, citing public safety.

 

NBC News

Heather Williams transitioned from a hospital career to become a school nurse in 2019, highlighting the critical role of school nurses in managing student health. “There's a lot more vast knowledge that you need to have as a school nurse,” she said, emphasizing their diverse responsibilities, which include supporting students with chronic conditions and coordinating emergency responses. However, limited funding has resulted in many schools lacking full-time nursing staff. In Vancouver Public Schools in Washginton state, 28 nurses serve approximately 22,000 students, leading to a nurse-to-student ratio of 1 to 900. A 2023 study by the University of Washington School of Nursing indicates that access to school nurses is particularly strained in rural districts. The study underscores the importance of school nurses in bridging the gap between education and healthcare, stating: “They provide direct care, manage chronic conditions, coordinate emergency responses and remove barriers to access.” Effective communication between families and schools is essential for ensuring that students receive the necessary care.

 

The Columbian

Educator Bill Conrad says that while science fairs alone cannot solve the national decline in science proficiency, highlighted by only 31% of eighth graders scoring proficient in the 2024 Nation’s Report Card - they play a crucial role in sparking student curiosity and engagement. He cites Chloe Jenniches, a seventh-grader at A.P. Giannini Middle School who won first place in biological science at the San Francisco Citywide Science Fair, as an example of the opportunities such events provide. Conrad argues that to maximise their impact, schools should consider making science fairs mandatory, funding necessary resources, and establishing mentorship programs to guide young scientists.

 

EdSource

An article in Education Week discusses the underrepresentation of boys in health care, education, and social services, fields traditionally dominated by women. Programs like the Research and Mentoring Program (RAMP) at the University of Maryland aim to engage boys in these careers. Participants, such as Isaiah Bell, express that schools often do not promote these pathways effectively, leading to a gender imbalance. Jeff Strohl, a research professor, emphasizes the need to challenge stereotypes: "We no longer live in a muscle-and-brawn economy; a lot of the economic opportunity does in fact exist in these intellectual and caring professions." The article highlights the importance of representation and addressing pay disparities to attract more boys into these vital fields.

 

Education Week News

Approximately 380 schools in Colorado may lose their ability to provide free meals to students if Propositions MM and LL do not pass in the upcoming election on November 4. These propositions aim to support the Healthy School Meals for All program, which has exceeded initial cost expectations. State lawmakers have committed to fully funding the program through 2025, but scaling back is necessary if the propositions fail. Currently, 1,421 out of 1,803 participating schools are part of the federal Community Eligibility Provision program, ensuring free meals for nearly 80% of students. However, families at the remaining 382 schools may need to pay for meals or apply for federal assistance. Jason Gonzales reported on the implications of these measures, emphasizing the need for voter support to maintain meal access for all students.

 

Chalkbeat

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said Thursday that the province's government will table back-to-work legislation on Monday that seeks to end the teachers’ strike that began on October 6. “We know that this strike is causing harm to kids. We know it’s causing harm to teachers, since there isn’t a strike fund, and we want to be able to end it for the sake of both frontline teachers as well as students and their families,” she said at a news conference. The government has served formal notice of the introduction of Bill 2, the Back to School Act; an order paper outlines potential options for the government to accelerate the legislative process, including a one-hour time limit at each reading as well as the addition of evening sittings. “All I  can say is we’ll look to expedite the process. But as for an actual date the bill could potentially be passed, you’ll have to wait," said Finance Minister Nate Horner. In response, the Alberta Teachers' Association said: “We remain prepared to negotiate solutions that include a student-teacher ratio. Now it’s the government’s turn to take up the challenge of solving these serious issues in co-operation with teachers who want to support their students as best as they can." 

 

Edmonton Journal

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