KEEPING YOU INFORMED - Negotiations Update By Ruben Mancillas
We have come to an agreement on a retirement incentive!
All ABCFT unit members are eligible for a retirement incentive in the form of a one time off schedule payment of 10% of the employee’s salary for the 2024-2025 school year and it shall be subject to all appropriate withholdings for all ABCFT unit members who file an irrevocable letter of resignation by May 9, 2025.
Irrevocable retirement forms submitted after May 9, 2025 will not be eligible for the Retirement Incentive.
Those who submit an irrevocable retirement form by May 9, 2025 must indicate a retirement date on or before June 30, 2025.
Interest in the idea of a golden handshake has been consistent in our communication with members during our site visits, in our surveys, at rep council meetings, and during our YOUnion chats. Now everyone has a window of time to schedule meetings with STRS and crunch the numbers to determine if taking advantage of this incentive is the right decision for them.
I am in Sacramento today for the Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Our agenda items for this April meeting include:
A report to the legislature regarding teacher supply in California, 2023-24.
Child Development Permit workgroup recommendations for added authorizations.
Draft recommendations of the workgroup to review the design and implementation of the Teaching Performance Assessments (TPA).
An update on the development of the CalTPA math cycle field test.
The adoption of a minimum passing score standard for the foundations of reading examination.
In Unity,
Teacher Leader Showcase Is Next Week
This year’s teacher leaders are ready to present. These teachers have worked all year researching topics that are meaningful to ABC educators. We hope that you will join us next Wednesday for this one-hour event.
The topics being covered are:
Play-based learning in early education
Transforming the school system in the wake of AI
Post-pandemic impact on academic/personal growth (HS Level).
ABCFT PRESIDENT’S REPORT - Ray Gaer
Consistent and regular communication is a union’s most important tool for advocating for its members at the bargaining table. Every conversation with members is focused on the result of negotiating for the future prosperity and well-being of ALL ABCFT members. This weekly report informs members about issues impacting their working/learning conditions and mental well-being. Our work as a Union is a larger conversation, and when united, we make the YOUnion.
According to the AI on my browser, “Doing puzzles together fosters collaboration, communication, and cognitive benefits. Working on a puzzle encourages shared problem-solving, strengthens teamwork skills, and can even boost memory and concentration through the release of dopamine. Beyond the cognitive advantages, it provides a fun and engaging way to spend quality time with loved ones.”
Last year, during one of my visits to schools to meet with staff, I found myself in the Fedde staff lounge and saw that they had dedicated an entire table to a 1,000-piece puzzle. After commenting on this to the staff, I discovered that having an ongoing puzzle was a staff norm. The piece I wrote after this revelation was about collaboration, and it was an example of staff working together. Late last week, I found myself again in the Fedde staff lounge, and I found myself again contemplating the importance of their puzzle culture. Oh my, the Fedde staff is excelling in puzzles, let me tell you. They are now doing puzzles with 3000 pieces that take up an entire table and countless hours of combined effort and concentration.
Now, sit back a minute and think about the process of completing a puzzle at Fedde and the many decisions that need to be made, routines developed, and the execution of solving the puzzle as members of the staff flex their individual puzzle-solving skills. How do you think they decide which puzzle to get? There are so many sizes, shapes, and themes to choose from. Who purchases the puzzle? Is it a staff donation, and who has taken the responsibility of making sure a new puzzle is present? Once they have the puzzle, are there certain members of the staff that sort and put together the outside boundary? What is the celebration when they are getting close to completing a puzzle? Is it focused on the person who puts in that last piece, or does the entire staff celebrate? I think the latter.
Now, your school may not be working on an actual jigsaw puzzle, but every day, you are working together to solve the public education puzzle. We all have our roles to play in that puzzle to best educate our students and each of us has skills that make us highly qualified to help solve the puzzle. It’s a team sport. What we do in our schools and in our district IS rocket science, and it takes a team that has worked together to figure out both the process of completing the task successfully while also leveraging the strengths and skills of the teachers, administrators, and staff. I had the opportunity to visit classrooms this week, where I watched different teachers with different teaching styles, different delivery methods, different curriculum challenges, and different students. There are so many variables in a school for teachers, and there is no single way to solve the puzzle.
I learned this week that we are all puzzle makers and solvers. We are puzzle makers for our students, pulling their curiosity to solve the puzzle of learning and life. Teachers design the puzzle pieces that enthralled the students. There are different puzzles for different students who have differing puzzle-solving skills, just as there are teachers who are all different puzzle makers. How boring it would be if all classrooms, teachers, and students were the same. The same boring puzzle. I don’t want to work in an educational system with boring puzzles and people.
Anyway, I hope you take time to reflect on your incredibly complex jobs and the satisfaction you deserve as master puzzle makers and puzzle solvers. Does your school have a puzzle table like Fedde or Whitney?
Have a great weekend. One week till Spring Break!
In Unity,
Ray
CALIFORNIA FEDERATION OF TEACHERS
The 2025 CFT Convention in San Diego was an opportunity for hundreds of delegates and guests from across the state to come together, connect, and strategize about how to take on the enormous challenges facing our schools and our country.
The three-day event included a mix of great speakers, thought-provoking workshops, the election for CFT officers, and debate on critical policy issues.
The theme of this years convention was Union Power for All.
Women leaders of labor and social justice kick off the first morning of CFT Convention
CFT members marched from the convention hall to the federal plaza to rally against the Trump agenda
CFT delegate resolutions call for fighting forward, building power, taxing the rich
CFT Awards Dinner captures the tenacious spirit of educators and classified professionals
AMERICAN FEDERATION OF TEACHERS
Follow AFT President Randi Weingarten: http://twitter.com/rweingarten
----- NEWS STORY HIGHLIGHT-----
Federal officials denied entry to L.A. schools
Federal officials were denied entry at two Los Angeles USD elementary schools this week, marking a significant moment amid concerns over immigration enforcement. District officials confirmed that representatives from the Homeland Security Investigations unit attempted to access Lillian Street and Russell Elementary Schools but were turned away. “After following District protocols, school administrators denied entry to the individuals, and they left,” stated school officials, emphasizing their commitment to student well-being. L.A. Schools Superintendent Alberto Carvalho reinforced this stance, declaring: “Our schools are places of inspiration, protection, empathy, and knowledge.” The district has implemented policies to keep campuses off-limits to immigration authorities, ensuring that immigration agents cannot access K-12 campuses without a warrant.
Chaos looms over special education
As President Donald Trump implements significant changes to the U.S. Department of Education, disability advocates are expressing deep concern over the future of special education services. Robyn Linscott, director of education and family policy at The Arc of the United States, said: “Parents are reaching out to us, calling and feeling really scared.” The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) ensures a free public education for students with disabilities, but recent cuts and proposed shifts to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services have raised questions about the department's ability to fulfill its responsibilities. Jennifer Coco, interim executive director at the Center for Learner Equity, emphasized that separating the education of students with disabilities from their peers “further pathologizes disability.” The Education Department has assured that no actions have been taken to transfer federally mandated programs at this time.
----- NATIONAL NEWS -----
Democratic states reject anti-DEI order
California and several other Democratic-led states are rejecting a Trump administration directive requiring public schools to certify they are not using “illegal DEI practices” or risk losing federal education funding. The U.S. Department of Education’s order follows a Supreme Court ruling against affirmative action and seeks to eliminate race-based preferences or stereotypes in school programs. California education officials, led by Chief Deputy Superintendent David Schapira, declared they would respond on behalf of the state’s 1,000 school districts, emphasizing longstanding compliance with federal law. Schapira called the mandate an overreach, echoing similar objections from Minnesota, New York, and Vermont. Critics warn the order threatens crucial student programs, with funding stakes as high as $16.3bn—including $1.26bn for Los Angeles USD alone. While some Republican-led states back the move, others are seeking clarity. In cities like Chicago, officials are preparing legal action, arguing that decisions about equity and inclusion should remain under local control.
AP News U.S. News Los Angeles Times
Trump administration targets DEI in schools
The U.S. Department of Education has mandated that states and school districts certify they are not using diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, in order to continue receiving federal funds. A letter from the Trump administration gives state education chiefs 10 days to comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits race-based discrimination. The letter states that DEI practices are considered “impermissible” and could lead to funding cuts. “Federal financial assistance is a privilege, not a right,” Craig Trainor, acting assistant secretary for civil rights, said in a statement. He added that many schools have flouted their legal obligations, “including by using DEI programs to discriminate against one group of Americans to favor another.” Michael Pillera, director of the educational opportunities project for the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, remarked: “The goal here is increased threats and intimidation to cause a chilling effect.” The Education Department's actions have sparked confusion among educators regarding what constitutes a violation of the orders, with many working to address racial disparities since the murder of George Floyd in 2020.
AP News Education Week News NPR
Federal funding changes put districts at financial risk, Moody's warns
Ratings agency Moody's has warned that recent cuts at the U.S. Department of Education, and other federal actions like the withholding of federal payments, are creating additional risks for traditional K-12 school districts, some of which are already toiling to balance their books. The report on the K-12 sector, published last Friday, said that risks include the cancellation of pandemic aid extensions, scaling back on education research, and federal support for school choice. ″Given the uncertainty generated by the recent flurry of activity by the Trump administration, federal aid exposure represents a source of credit risk for traditional districts and charter schools,” the analysis found. In addition, an expansion of school choice may lead to “a domino of effects for traditional districts if there were an acceleration of enrollment losses.”
Trump admin urged to expand K-12 choice
Bruno V. Manno, senior adviser at the Progressive Policy Institute, argues the Trump administration can expand K-12 public school choice without Congress by leveraging existing federal programs and executive orders. He outlines five strategies: boosting charter and magnet schools; funding microschools and learning pods through Title I and IDEA; expanding open and dual enrollment; and growing career pathway programs using Perkins and Labor Department funds. He urges rigorous accountability to ensure quality outcomes. Manno says this strategy supports family choice, decentralizes education authority, and aligns with the administration’s January executive order promoting alternatives to geographically assigned schools.
----- STATE NEWS -----
California fights back against Trump policies
California legislators have introduced several bills aimed at safeguarding immigrants from aggressive federal policies under President Donald Trump. Key proposals include Assembly Bill 1261, which ensures legal representation for unaccompanied children in immigration court, and SB 48, requiring schools to notify communities when immigration officers are present. Other bills focus on protecting sensitive locations like schools and healthcare facilities from immigration enforcement. The legislative package also addresses issues like silicosis in workplaces and aims to maintain funding for Medi-Cal, California's healthcare program for low-income residents.
Cuts to Ed Dept. raise alarm in California schools
Although California schools receive over 90% of their funding from state and local sources, educators and administrators across the state are warning that President Trump’s moves to defund and downsize the U.S. Department of Education are likely to harm vulnerable student populations. Barbara Dill-Varga, superintendent of the Aromas-San Juan USD, told BenitoLink that cutting half the Department’s workforce will disrupt the processing of federal grants, which schools rely on to fund special education and other targeted programs. U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott, the top Democrat on the House Education Committee, echoed the concern, stating that the move would jeopardize funding for low-income, disabled, minority, and rural students.
California Local The Sacremento Observer
Foster youth funding falls short
A new report by WestEd reveals that California foster youth continue to face significant barriers to educational success, despite statewide reforms like the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF). While graduation rates have improved from 51% in 2016–17 to 61% in 2022–23, foster students still experience higher rates of chronic absenteeism (39%), suspensions (13–15%), and low college eligibility. The report found that in 10 districts with the highest foster student enrollment—including Los Angeles, Fresno, and Long Beach—only 0.1% of expenditures were targeted exclusively at foster youth. Most funding was bundled with services for other high-needs groups, diluting the impact for foster students whose needs often require tailored interventions like transportation access or flexible attendance support. Authors stress that despite positive legislation, such as AB 216 and extended foster care services, funding implementation gaps remain. With foster youth enrollment declining and policy shifts ahead, experts urge districts to allocate dedicated resources to avoid leaving this vulnerable group behind.
California nears universal Transitional Kindergarten
California is on track to offer Transitional Kindergarten (TK) to all four-year-olds by the 2025-26 school year, following a major expansion of the program initiated in 2021. TK, which began in 2012, originally served children ineligible for kindergarten due to birthdate cutoffs. The multi-year expansion plan is supported by billions in state funding, including over $1bn in one-time grants and an estimated $1.4bn in ongoing support as of 2024-25. Funding also covers improvements to staffing ratios, with $517m allocated for a 1:12 ratio in 2024-25 and a proposed $952m to reduce it to 1:10 in 2025-26. TK is funded through the Local Control Funding Formula based on attendance. Challenges remain, including recruiting qualified teachers and ensuring equitable access and attendance among low-income families. State leaders aim to maximize the return on investment by tackling these issues and ensuring that all California children can benefit from early education.
California Budget & Policy Center
----- DISTRICTS -----
Library battle heats up in Huntington Beach
Patricia Singer, president of the Ocean View School District Board and a self-described conservative, has spoken out against Huntington Beach’s proposed children's book review board, arguing it undermines parental rights. At a press conference hosted by Our Library Matters, she joined educators and librarians in urging voters to support Measure A, which would repeal the board, and Measure B, which would prevent outsourcing of library services without voter approval.
Protesters rally against school board policies
A community group called Together for Redlands protested outside the Redlands USD Board meeting yesterday, urging trustees to abandon three controversial proposals. Critics argue these proposals mirror conservative policies from other districts and include a flag ban, a parent notification policy, and a book ban. Protesters chanted: “Hey hey, ho ho, fascists have to go,” while displaying pride flags and signs advocating for LGBTQ rights. Germaine Miles, a demonstrator, highlighted the community's opposition to the board's actions.
Oakland school board votes to oust Superintendent
The Oakland USD board voted 4-1 to terminate Superintendent Kyla Johnson-Trammell's contract two years early, surprising many community members. Daniel Swafford expressed on Facebook, “The district should be lucky to have someone from here that both cares and is qualified.” Board member Mike Hutchinson was the only dissenting vote and criticized the lack of transparency regarding the decision. Johnson-Trammell, who has served as superintendent since 2017, was previously granted a three-year contract extension through 2027 to help navigate the district's financial challenges, including a $95m budget shortfall. The district is at risk of running out of cash as early as next school year, potentially leading to another state takeover similar to the one in 2003
----- TECHNOLOGY -----
Cybersecurity cuts could leave schools exposed
Recent federal policy shifts may reduce cybersecurity support available to school districts. The U.S. Department of Education has paused activity for its K-12 Cybersecurity Government Coordinating Council, a group that previously helped agencies, education departments, and technology providers share information and coordinate responses to cyber threats. The change follows a directive from the Department of Homeland Security and a presidential executive order altering how such groups operate under federal law. Separately, the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC), which offers free cybersecurity support to state and local governments, including school councils and districts, has experienced a $10m reduction in funding. While a $200m FCC pilot program supporting school cybersecurity remains in place, some experts have expressed uncertainty about its future.
Teacher AI training expands rapidly
The number of U.S. school districts training teachers on generative artificial intelligence (AI) has more than doubled, rising from 23% in 2023 to 48% in 2024, according to RAND Corp. By fall 2025, nearly three-quarters of districts plan to offer AI training. While the increase is promising, RAND warns of stark equity gaps—67% of low-poverty districts have offered AI training compared to just 39% of high-poverty ones. Most districts design their own training modules, often using resources from tech companies and education nonprofits. Leaders report teachers’ initial resistance, largely due to fears of cheating and job disruption. Many districts use hands-on, play-based training to reduce anxiety and encourage exploration of tools like ChatGPT. However, inconsistent quality and limited expert guidance remain challenges. RAND urges more targeted funding for high-poverty districts and inter-district knowledge sharing to prevent AI adoption from widening existing inequalities in education. AI’s long-term role in teaching remains uncertain, but early efforts aim to build comfort and capacity.
----- WORKFORCE ----
Superintendents are younger, but salaries lag inflation
According to AASA’s 13th annual superintendent salary study, more superintendents are entering the role at younger ages. In 2024, 34% were aged 41–50, up from 30% in 2012-13, while those aged 60+ dropped from 20% to 10%. Despite the trend toward younger leadership, salary growth continues to lag inflation. The average superintendent salary rose about 2% year over year, with a median of $158,721 for 2024-25—still behind the inflation-adjusted $165,773 median from 2013. Real wages have declined by about $7,000 over the past decade. Gender pay parity is nearly achieved, with women earning 99.16% of men’s pay. The data also reflects high turnover, particularly among large districts, as previously reported by the ILO group. Yet, optimism remains: 90% of respondents plan to stay in their current district next year, and nearly 93% intend to stay in the profession. The study is based on 2,077 responses from 49 states.
AASA, The School Superintendents Association K-12 Dive
Why Employees Stay Silent When They See Warning Signs of a Problem
Organizations that thrive in uncertainty don’t wait for clarity; they proactively seek out and address early signals of trouble.
by Hyunsun Park and Subra Tangirala
How to Recognize “Hidden Feedback”
The feedback leaders need most isn’t always delivered directly.
by Jeff Wetzler
----- CLASSROOM -----
Math skills gap identified in teacher prep
According to a new report by the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ), many elementary education programs are failing to adequately prepare future teachers in essential math concepts. The report reveals that only 16% of undergraduate programs received an A or A+ rating, with an average of 136 instructional hours in math. Heather Peske, president of NCTQ, emphasized the importance of foundational math skills, commenting: “Being able to understand ways of representing numbers or relationships among numbers... is so critical to elementary students.” The report highlights a significant decline in 4th graders' math performance, with nearly a quarter unable to meet basic achievement levels. The findings call for a reevaluation of teacher preparation programs to ensure that aspiring educators receive sufficient training in math content and pedagogy.
Movement helps teachers stay mentally and physically fit
Teachers are finding that regular movement, whether it’s walking across campus or leading dance classes, is helping them manage stress and avoid burnout. Jazzmyne Townsend, a D.C. educator, clocks over 12,000 steps daily, using her smartwatch to stay motivated. Nationwide, 48% of teachers now track physical activity. In Brooklyn, dance instructor Amira Davis launched a Friday dance class for staff, promoting creativity and self-care. Research shows that voluntary physical activity lowers anxiety and supports well-being. As one teacher put it, “small changes” like consistent movement can bring your best mental and physical self to work each day.
California high school absenteeism remains stubbornly high
While elementary attendance is rebounding post-pandemic, California’s high school absenteeism remains a major concern. Recent data shows over 28% of high school seniors are chronically absent. Experts say traditional strategies don’t work for teens juggling jobs, family care, or mental health challenges. Just 40% of high schoolers feel they belong, and only 22% believe teachers understand their lives beyond school. Solutions include regular teacher-student check-ins, peer-led attendance campaigns, and shifting from punitive messaging to positive reinforcement. YouthTruth data also shows 68% of high schoolers want to help their communities but few get the chance—a missed opportunity for engagement. Mental health is another key factor: nearly half of students cite depression or anxiety as a barrier to learning. Support gaps are especially pronounced among LGBTQ+ and minority students. Improving high school attendance means tailoring strategies by grade, emphasizing connection, support, and relevance — not just automated calls or attendance certificates.
----- LEGAL -----
Supreme Court backs Trump on education grants
On Friday, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Trump administration, allowing the termination of approximately $65m in education grants aimed at teacher training. The case involved grants awarded under the Teacher Quality Partnership and Supporting Effective Educator Development programs. The 5-4 decision overturned a lower court's ruling that had blocked the administration's move, which was based on a new policy opposing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Chief Justice John Roberts sided with the dissenting liberal justices, while Justice Elena Kagan expressed concern that grant recipients would face significant program cancellations. The Department of Education argued that the grants promoted "objectionable DEI material," leading to their cancellation. A lawsuit was filed in March by eight states including California, Massachusetts and New York, on behalf of entities that receive the grants, such as universities and nonprofits, saying the decision to rescind the awards violated the federal Administrative Procedure Act. The case only involves grants issued to entities in the states that sued. In total, the Department of Education canceled about $600m in grants for teacher training.
Sixteen states sue to reclaim pandemic school aid
Sixteen states, led by New York Attorney General Letitia James and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, filed a lawsuit Thursday against the Trump administration, to restore access to over $1bn in federal pandemic relief funding for schools. The lawsuit, which includes the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, and the District of Columbia, claims that the Education Department's decision to halt hundreds of millions in promised aid violates federal law, reversing a prior agreement that allowed states to access the funds through March 2026. The shift in instruction has left many state and local education leaders wondering how to proceed, with Elleka Yost, director of advocacy and research at the Association of School Business Officials International, commenting: “Changing the requirements while the money is already committed has put states and districts in a tough spot.” Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey said the move would "take us backwards" and jeopardize plans for math tutors, school health centers, and building upgrades. Elsewhere, the Kansas State Department of Education has directed contracted service providers to pause all tasks dependent on COVID emergency funds. “The Trump administration’s latest attack on our schools will hurt our most vulnerable students and make it harder for them to thrive,” James said. “Cutting school systems’ access to vital resources that our students and teachers rely on is outrageous and illegal.”
New York Times US News and World Report K-12 Dive
Appeals court rules in favor of DOGE in data privacy case
An appeals court has reinstated Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)'s access to personal data from the Education Department, the Treasury Department, and the Office of Personnel Management. The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals overturned a lower court's ruling that had blocked this access, with Judge G. Steven Agee stating that the lower court "misread legal precedent." The American Federation of Teachers and other plaintiffs argue that the Trump administration violated federal privacy laws by allowing DOGE access to sensitive information of tens of millions of Americans without consent. The lawsuit claims that DOGE's actions go beyond its intended purpose, alleging misuse of data related to federal student loans. The case continues as the court has temporarily blocked DOGE's access to the Social Security Administration.
SCOTUS backs Trump on education grants
On Friday, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Trump administration, allowing the termination of approximately $65m in education grants aimed at teacher training. The case involved grants awarded under the Teacher Quality Partnership and Supporting Effective Educator Development programs. The 5-4 decision overturned a lower court's ruling that had blocked the administration's move, which was based on a new policy opposing DEI initiatives. Chief Justice John Roberts sided with the dissenting liberal justices, while Justice Elena Kagan expressed concern that grant recipients would face significant program cancellations. The Department of Education argued that the grants promoted "objectionable DEI material," leading to their cancellation. A lawsuit was filed in March by eight states including California, Massachusetts and New York, on behalf of entities that receive the grants, such as universities and nonprofits, saying the decision to rescind the awards violated the federal Administrative Procedure Act. The case only involves grants issued to entities in the states that sued. In total, the Department of Education canceled about $600m in grants for teacher training.
----- HEALTH & WELLBEING -----
California's school meal funding at risk
California's federal aid for school meals, exceeding $3bn annually, is under threat due to the Trump administration's policies. The U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins warned Governor Gavin Newsom that compliance with federal directives is necessary to secure funding. "This flies in the face of our moral obligation to care for our country's children," said a state education official. The aid supports over 80% of students in Los Angeles USD, who rely on free or reduced-price meals. The situation is complicated by a California law ensuring free meals for all students, which Newsom signed with the expectation of federal support. Critics argue that the Trump administration is using food aid as a political tool, jeopardizing children's access to essential nutrition.
----- HIGHER EDUCATION -----
Students fear college amid deportation threats
High school students in California are increasingly anxious about applying to the University of California (UC) due to immigration crackdowns by President Donald Trump’s administration. The administration's actions, including the revocation of student visas, have led to fears among students about their future. Many students are now limiting their college choices to stay close to home, fearing deportation of family members. The UC Office of the President reassured that the university remains open to all students, regardless of immigration status, and will not actively detain students based on their status. However, concerns persist about the impact of federal policies on students' educational aspirations. Kirk Sharma, a teacher, noted the emotional toll on students, stating, “It’s tough when a child … has to make decisions about, ‘Is it selfish for me to go to college?’.”
Federal aid fears loom for students
University officials are increasingly concerned about potential disruptions to federal grants and loans due to cuts at the U.S. Department of Education. Toni DeBoni, associate vice president for enrollment management at CSU Channel Islands, stated that layoffs have raised "serious concerns about the near future," particularly regarding the FAFSA process. Despite these worries, financial aid staff remain cautiously optimistic, noting that federal aid for the current spring term has already been disbursed. The California Student Aid Commission reported a 25% drop in high school seniors completing financial aid applications, attributed to delays in the FAFSA rollout.
Dozens of international student visas terminated
Dozens of international students across University of California and California State University campuses have had their student visas unexpectedly terminated, raising concerns about enrollment, tuition revenue, and academic vitality. UC and CSU campuses collectively enroll around 50,000 international students, many of whom pay higher tuition and are vital to graduate programs. As of this week, more than 70 students across UC, CSU, and community colleges have lost their F-1 visas under new federal policies, with many terminations issued without explanation. Officials warn that these actions, potentially tied to minor infractions or political activism, could deter future international enrollments. California’s public colleges fear a chilling effect as students may opt for other countries. The financial impact is significant, with UC alone collecting over $1bn in nonresident tuition. Higher ed leaders are urging federal clarification, citing risks not only to revenue but to the research, teaching, and diversity contributions that international students bring.
EdSource The Desert Sun NBC News
----- INTERNATIONAL -----
Taliban's education ban sparks protests
In Afghanistan, the Taliban's ban on girls' secondary education has led to significant internal conflict among its officials. Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, the acting deputy foreign minister, publicly criticized the ban, stating: "The Taliban was committing an injustice" by denying girls education. This division is particularly evident between hardline members in Kandahar and more moderate officials in Kabul. Despite some officials advocating for girls' education, the Taliban's leadership remains resistant to change. As a result, many families are risking their lives to flee Afghanistan for better educational opportunities for their daughters. Currently, around 2.2m girls are deprived of education, with little indication that the Taliban will reverse its policies.
At NTA Life, we’re here to provide extra peace of mind with individual supplemental benefits that offer tax-free financial support directly to you or your loved ones. Our benefits are designed to go above and beyond your major medical insurance, helping cover things like deductibles, co-pays, and those unexpected expenses that can come up during an illness or injury. We offer the following programs:
- Cancer Coverage
- Heart Coverage
- Hospital Coverage
- Accident Coverage
- Disability Coverage
- Life Insurance
- Specified Disease Coverage – which even comes with a return of premium after 20 years!
The best part? Most of our benefits are guaranteed renewable for life, meaning you can keep them even if you switch districts or retire.
We’re so thankful for the strong partnership we have with ABCFT, and we look forward to continuing to support and serve your incredible educators.
If you’d like to learn more, feel free to reach out anytime:
- Leann Blaisdell: 562-822-5004 | leann.blaisdell@horacemann.com
- Shannon Donovan: 714-727-8261 | shannon.donovan@horacemann.com
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