ABCFT YOUnionews for June 20, 2025
KEEPING YOU INFORMED - Board Report Update By Ruben Mancillas
On Tuesday night, the ABCUSD school board voted 4-3 to not move forward with any portion of the School Consolidation and Reconfiguration report. This means that the district will not reconfigure middle schools to include grades 6, 7, and 8. Whitney High School will not be reconfigured to include 6th-grade students. And four elementary schools (Aloha, Furgeson, Juarez, and Stowers) will not be consolidated.
I understand the relief that each site, which was potentially at risk of closure, must feel. As I have written earlier, these are excellent schools with high-quality staff. They do not deserve to be closed. And the implication that they are somehow less than or at fault is an unfair characterization. I am a classic movie fan, so a reference point for me was Mr. Smith Goes To Washington. Jimmy Stewart fighting against seemingly overwhelming odds to protect the underdog is one of my formative film experiences. I have shown clips of the filibuster scene in my Civics classes. So I join in the pride that our fellow members must feel at seeing a concerted effort of teachers, parents, and the community coming together to save their respective schools. It was an impressive public validation of the efforts of our excellent teachers and nurses.
After the meeting, I was questioned as to why I did not view the results of the vote as a cause for celebration. My concern is that, when viewed from a broader perspective, the issue of declining enrollment remains unaddressed. Considering the role of negotiations, I recognize the necessity of rewarding our members for their hard work with salary increases. Our members need to be supported not just by a particular building remaining open, but with real gains in compensation. The school consolidation plan came with an identified fiscal impact, a potential savings of $ 3.4 million. In terms of workplace conditions, we have previously written about some of the possible drawbacks of a smaller school attempting to provide services with limited resources.
I stand by my assertion that the status quo is not sustainable.
And yet, when faced with an enrollment crisis that has been building over many years and is projected to continue, a majority of our school board chose to do…nothing.
The next school board meeting is not until August 5. ABCFT will be assessing the implications of the board’s decision over the coming weeks. There are consequences to both action and inaction, and our executive board and negotiating team will meet to discuss paths as we move forward. The new teacher orientation is on August 6. The first representative council meeting is scheduled for August 7. The Transcend summer PL is on August 8. That Friday, the 8th, will also be the date of our next YOUnion news.
In Unity,
SCHOOL BOARD REPORT: PRIMARY DOCUMENTS AND VIDEO LINKS
On Tuesday of this week, the ABC School Board failed to pass a vote on several motions centered on the closure of schools or the reconfiguration of facilities. It was challenging for many to follow, but in the end, the school board was unable to decide on the action item, so it is no longer in play. The board could bring up the topic of school closures at any time; however, they would need to initiate the process by including an informational item on the agenda. ABCFT doesn’t anticipate this item returning over the Summer.
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Ruben and I wanted to make sure that ABCFT members would have an easily accessible place to find all the documents related to the school consolidation that could possibly happen in ABCUSD. We will keep this section in the YOUnionews as the school board progresses through this process. This issue directly impacts all ABCFT members and the student community they serve. Therefore, ABCFT is committed to providing clarity and transparency regardless of the outcome of the process.
Here is a link to the original document provided by SchoolWorks Consulting Team.
ABCUSD School Consolidation & Reconfiguration Report
Here is the slide deck used at the school board meeting, which is a summary of the full report
May 20, 2025 Final ABC 2025 School Consolidations Recommendations
Here is a recording of the SchoolWorks presentation at the May 20, 2025 school board meeting.
Here is the first consolidation process video from ABCUSD Superintendent Dr. Gina Zietlow
Best Practices for Exercising Your First Amendment Rights at Protests
Your RIGHT to protest peacefully is an essential foundational part of our American values. Like many things in life we are thrown into situations where any kind of training would be helpful to our safety and success. ABCFT encourages you to take a quick look at this document that guides you through the process of protecting your first amendment rights.
Click here to view this guide put out by the California Federation of Unions (AFT-CIO)
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 affecting their working and learning conditions, as well as their mental well-being. Our work as a Union is a larger conversation, and united, we make the YOUnion.
“Sometimes we have to master the things that don’t work before we can move on to better choices.” ~ Alan (my therapist)
Life is about making tough decisions, and no matter what decisions you make, each one is life-changing. Think of life as a choose-your-own-adventure. Somewhere along the way, you decided to be an educator, and you took the path of choices that completed your pathway to becoming a teacher or a nurse. Along the way, you had to make some tough decisions about finances, where you lived and went to school, and how you would achieve your goal. You had to look beyond the fear and the unknown to embrace an unknown future. What did my coaches tell me in baseball as I ate groundballs as a shortstop, “you’ve got to have pain to gain.” If I had never played baseball, I wouldn’t know what it is like to be on a team. My life would have been different had I not faced the fear of the unknown.
Remember the first time you moved out of your parents' house and you got your first “bill” for the gas, electricity, or maybe a cell phone. You had to decide at that point whether you were going to pay it right away or pay it at the end of the week or month. Besides, going to that great concert was at the top of the list. I learned right away that making a delay on a bill only means that you get a larger bill that is even more expensive than before. Delaying the inevitable payment only compounded the cost and the opportunity costs associated with having to spend more of your finite finances.
Think about those times in your life when you decided to delay making an important decision. Did “kicking the can down the road” and delaying your decision turn out as you hoped? Maybe it did, and everything worked out, but I can think of many instances where delaying a decision caused more harm than good. What’s that other saying, “sweeping things under the rug”? I can’t think of anything good that happens when I hear somebody saying that they swept the decision under the rug. The problem always comes back bigger.
Think about those students in your class who need additional equity supports to be successful, like their peers. How successful were those students when they were denied those services? For example, up until the last couple of years, we were told by the educational system that students younger than third grade were “too young” to be tested for special education, English as a Second Language, or mental health support. For as long as I’ve been in education, we've not addressed how to identify students in TK and Kindergarten who require additional support. Take a look around and judge how delaying services have worked out for those students who had to wait till third grade to get tested or to get mental health supports. Could we, as an educational system, do a better job of supporting students who need help? Does “kicking the can down the road” help students in the long run, or can the education system adjust and make a difference early rather than await a complete academic breakdown? Delays in care have hidden costs that are far worse for our students in later grades
I hope that our school board finds solutions that address the fear of school closures by providing on-ramps of understanding and support. Trustee Yoo was on the right track when she proposed having support committees to help facilitate changes in schools and transportation. Providing a space where the community can address some of their fears and needs would have been a good start before making any decisions. We need to address the fears and needs of people. Buildings are not the heart of a district; instead, it's the people within the ABC community that really define our school district.
What I heard at the board meeting last night was gut-wrenching for many reasons. I agree with Ruben that we have unbelievable teachers who put their best efforts to meet students where they can become successful in the classroom. I see excellent teaching in every school, and every school is an integral part of the ABC ecosystem. The decision to potentially close a school is a no-win situation. If money were not an issue, we would never have to consider closing schools. However, facts are facts, and we cannot offer competitive salaries and health benefits, nor fully staff our schools, on the path we continue to take. There is only one pie of money, and no matter how you slice up that pie, it doesn’t grow the pie. Tough choices must be made, and delays in addressing our financial situation will continue to have compounding consequences. We will need to look beyond the fear to embrace an unknown future. However, the more we delay as a district in determining how to address a shrinking budget, the more severe the consequences will be with every delay and every wavering decision point. The clock is ticking.
On another note, it’s Summer. Some of us are still working, but the pace is more manageable. I think that Ruben might have mentioned that we will put out a YOUnionews that first week we return for training on August 8th. Until then, I hope you get to relax, travel, and spend time with family and friends. I recall that at some point, someone asked me why I got into teaching. I got into it because I enjoy watching that lightbulb go off when students “get it” and reach a new level of understanding their world. That being said, having time to vacation in the Summer was a BIG second reason why I love being a teacher. Take care and be safe.
In YOUnity,
Ray Gaer
President, ABCFT
AMERICAN FEDERATION OF TEACHERS
AFT Resolution (passed in the AFT Executive Council)
AFT Supports Cutting Taxes on Working Class and Raising Taxes on Millionaires
WHEREAS, the AFT stands as a champion for economic, social and racial justice, rooted in the belief that every worker deserves dignity, fair compensation and economic security; and
WHEREAS, our union encompasses a diverse membership, including paraprofessionals and school-related personnel, adjunct faculty, early childhood educators, healthcare professionals including retirees, some of whom earn less than $40,000 annually and face escalating living costs; and
WHEREAS, the current federal tax system disproportionately favors billionaires and burdens the working class, while enabling the ultra-wealthy to exploit loopholes, exacerbating income inequality and undermining the principle that no one should be taxed into poverty; and
WHEREAS, the AFT supports legislation that aligns with our commitment to combating economic inequality, as articulated in our resolution “Attack Economic Inequality,” which calls for fair tax policies, living wages and the protection of workers’ rights; and
WHEREAS, such legislation includes the Cost of Living Tax Cut Relief Act, which establishes a cost-of-living exemption on federal income taxes up to the median cost of living for a single adult with no children (currently $41,600) and shifts responsibility from the working class to the millionaire class through a millionaires surtax, thereby promoting tax equity and generating revenue to offset the cost-of-living exemption:
RESOLVED, that the AFT endorses the Cost of Living Tax Cut Relief Act and will advocate for its enactment as a means of moving toward an effective and fair taxation system—one where millionaires and billionaires pay higher rates than working people; and
RESOLVED, that the AFT will continue to pursue comprehensive strategies to address systemic inequities, including advocating for fair wages, benefits and working conditions for working-class people; and
RESOLVED, that the AFT executive council reaffirms our unwavering commitment to the principle that every worker deserves respect, economic security and the opportunity to live with dignity, and will continue to champion policies that reflect these values.
Adopted May 28, 2025
----- OTHER IMPORTANT AFT NEWS -----
AFT president resigns from Democratic Party
Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), has resigned from her position in the Democratic Party, stating she feels "out of step" with its leadership. In a letter to Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin, she declined an offer to continue as an at-large member, a role she has held since 2002. Weingarten expressed concern about the party's direction, saying, “I do not want to be the one who keeps questioning why we are not enlarging our tent and actively trying to engage more and more of our communities.” Her resignation follows the departure of David Hogg, the committee's vice chair, indicating internal conflicts within the party. The AFT represents 1.7m education workers, making it one of the largest labor unions in the U.S.
New York Times Politico U.S. News
Follow AFT President Randi Weingarten: http://twitter.com/rweingarten
----- NEWS STORY HIGHLIGHT-----
Raids trigger school attendance crisis
Immigration raids in California's Central Valley earlier this year led to a significant increase in student absences, with a 22% rise reported in five school districts, according to a Stanford University study. Thomas Dee, a Stanford professor and author of the report, said: “The first and most obvious interpretation of the results is that students are missing school, and that means lost learning opportunities.” The raids, part of “Operation Return to Sender,” targeted immigrants in agricultural areas, causing fear among families and impacting attendance. The study highlighted that younger students were particularly affected, as they are more likely to have undocumented parents. The California Legislature is considering Assembly Bill 1348, which would allow districts to receive funding for attendance losses attributed to immigration fears. “When attendance drops, funding disappears, and when funding disappears, all students suffer,” said Assemblymember Jasmeet Bains
They crossed the border for better schools. Now, some families are leaving the US
Trump's impact on immigrant student attendance
In many school districts, attendance dropped after President Donald Trump's 2025 inauguration but quickly rebounded. But in some systems – particularly those that serve large populations of immigrant students – more and more students appear to be leaving school.
Departures in significant numbers could spell trouble for schools, which receive funding based on how many students they enroll.
“The amount of fear and uncertainty that is going through parents’ heads, who could blame somebody for making a choice to leave?” said Andrea Rentería, principal of a Denver elementary school serving immigrant students. “I can tell them as a principal that I won’t let anybody in this school. Nobody is taking your kid. But I can’t say the same for them out in the workforce or driving somewhere.”
Some Families Are Leaving the US
----- NATIONAL NEWS -----
K-12 funding slashed by billions of dollars
The Trump administration's proposed budget for fiscal 2026 aims to eliminate approximately $7bn in funding for K-12 schools, significantly impacting programs that support special student populations, including English learners and students experiencing homelessness. Jess Gartner, a school finance expert, emphasized the importance of consistent educational opportunities, and asked: “Do we want foster students to have a dramatically different experience in school depending on what state they live in?” The budget also proposes a new K-12 grant program, which would provide states with limited funds to allocate as they see fit. While some programs, like charter school grants, would see increases, overall funding levels remain flat, failing to keep pace with inflation. The proposed changes would require Congress to reauthorize federal special education law, a process that may take considerable time.
- Interactive Tool Tracking Proposed Federal Education Cuts by Congressional District
Head Start gets a reprieve from Trump budget cuts, but the fight isn’t over
Thanks to a relentless onslaught of pleading, cajoling, lobbying and public pressure, Head Start appears to have dodged the federal budget axe — for the time being.
Last month, President Donald Trump’s early budget draft called for the elimination of Head Start, the free early-childhood program for low-income families. Project 2025, the Heritage Foundation’s conservative policy roadmap, also called for the program’s demise, saying it has “little or no academic value.”
That triggered an all-hands-on-deck response from Head Start staff, families and alumni, who touted the program’s success in propelling families out of poverty. The National Head Start Association said advocates sent more than 300,000 letters to Congress, added more than 50,000 signatures to petitions and attended rallies throughout the country.
Department of Education arranges with Labor Department to take over career programs
Politico reports that the Department of Education has struck agreements to send billions of dollars to the Labor Department to administer a suite of education grants and detail several agency employees to the Treasury Department. The plans are currently on hold due a federal judge's ruling to temporarily block the Trump administration's efforts to cut the department's workforce. The agreement with Treasury was finalized in April, according to documents that identified nine Education Department employees, including a person originally assigned to work as part of billionaire Elon Musk’s DOGE effort, who are detailed to the Treasury Department as advisers. An Education Department spokesperson confirmed the agency signed an agreement with the Labor Department to administer some of the education agency’s career, technical and adult education grants. “The Workforce Development Partnership will allow ED and DOL to better coordinate and deliver on workforce development programs and strengthen federal support for our nation’s workforce, a top priority of the Trump Administration,” department spokesperson Madi Biedermann said in a statement on Wednesday. The measures laid out in the documents show how the administration is making significant moves to outsource portions of the Education Department’s operations to other Cabinet agencies
Principals demand protected funding for school safety measures
The Principal Recovery Network, a coalition of principals from across the U.S., met with Education Secretary Linda McMahon last week to advocate for increased funding to support schools recovering from violence and natural disasters. Led by Greg Johnson, a principal from Ohio, the group requested that the budget for Project SERV be raised from $5m to $25m. The grant has been crucial for hiring mental health professionals and school resource officers. The group also advocated for continued mental health funding under Title II and Title IV, which allow districts to hire mental health professionals and train teachers on safety protocols in schools." The PRN's lobbying efforts come in the wake of an April billion-dollar cut to mental health grants that were given out to public schools under the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, enacted in 2022 after 19 students and two teachers lost their lives in a mass shooting at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas
----- STATE NEWS -----
California math reforms: a double-edged sword
California's college math reforms, particularly the implementation of AB 705, have sparked a debate about their effectiveness. While the law aimed to improve access to transfer-level math courses, leading to a rise in pass rates from 27% to 62% between 2016-2024, many faculty members express concerns about increased failure rates, particularly among students of color. As one instructor noted, “There are a lot more people failing than before.” This paradox highlights the tension between overall success and individual struggles. The reforms have expanded access but also introduced new challenges in the classroom. Moving forward, it is crucial to balance data-driven policies with the lived experiences of students and faculty to ensure equitable outcomes for all.
California at loggerheads with McMahon over trans student sport
California is suing the U.S. Department of Justice ”in anticipation of imminent legal retaliation" over guidance to school districts to allow transgender students to play on sports teams aligning with their gender identities, against the federal government’s warnings. The lawsuit says that the Trump administration not only asked districts to violate existing state law but also the U.S. Constitution. The legal challenge hopes to prevent the administration from cutting schools off from federal funding or making funding conditional on complying with the Justice Department’s requirements to exclude transgender students. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon confirmed on Tuesday that the state is at risk of losing funding, but did not elaborate on when a decision would be made or what the cuts could be. “That is one of the tools and the opportunities that we have with California. And I think it’s right that we make them aware that that is a risk that they run,” she said, adding: “When we are seeing violations, we want to make sure that we are addressing them. Because if we don’t address them as they occur, then it’s sort of by acquiescence that it’s okay to continue when it’s not.”
Transitional kindergarten comes of age in California
Once lagging behind the rest of the country in preschool access, some say California may now be poised to lead the way. The state now ranks 13th in the nation in preschool enrollment for 4-year-olds. That’s up from ranking 18th for 4-year-old access in 2023, according to a national NIEER report that ranks state-funded preschool programs.
“California’s TK is huge for the early childhood education field,” said Barnett. “The state is getting closer each year to achieving its goal of universal preschool for 4-year-olds.”
A stepping stone between preschool and kindergarten, TK began in 2012 as a program for “fall babies,” children who narrowly missed the cutoff date for kindergarten. Now it’s been expanded to function as a kind of universal pre-kindergarten initiative. Yet even as TK is set to become a real grade, just like any other K-12 grade, there are myriad challenges looming on the horizon, from finding qualified teachers amid a dire staffing shortage to how to ensure quality instruction and suitable facilities. Class size and specialized teacher training are among the major concerns.
----- DISTRICTS -----
LACOE superintendent speaks out on ICE concerns
Debra Duardo, Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) Superintendent, has clarified that LACOE is not cooperating with ICE, addressing misinformation about unmarked vehicles seen at their Education Center. LACOE has informed members of staff, as well as Downey USD, about the matter. Duardo stated: “To be clear: LACOE is not cooperating with ICE or any federal agency. LACOE’s property is not being used for immigration enforcement.”
Budget cuts hit San Francisco schools
The San Francisco USD has introduced a $1.3bn budget for the 2025-26 school year, which includes significant cuts totaling $114m. Superintendent Maria Su described the budget as “balanced,” aimed at preserving jobs while ensuring financial stability. The cuts primarily affect administrative roles and non-classroom positions, with the elimination of programs like the Environmental Science Center. Despite these reductions, most educators will retain their positions, with the district expecting $1.2bn in revenue, largely from state funding. The district anticipates further cuts in the 2026-27 school year, with potential school closures or mergers on the table
Philadelphia Federation of Teachers votes to authorize strike
The Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT) has voted overwhelmingly, with 94% in favor, to authorize a strike if contract negotiations with the school district do not yield results by August. PFT President Arthur Steinberg said that the union has made progress but emphasized the need for changes to address staffing shortages that have left educators and staff overwhelmed. The district, facing 347 teacher vacancies, is optimistic about reaching an agreement, according to spokesperson Christina Clark. The vote marks the first strike authorization since the district regained local control from the state, highlighting the union's renewed political strength. The average salary for a classroom teacher in Philadelphia for the 2024-25 school year is $85,719, reflecting ongoing concerns about compensation and working conditions.
Berkeley USD breaks ground on teacher housing
Berkeley USD in California has initiated the construction of a 110-unit apartment complex aimed at providing affordable housing for its teachers. Located at 1701 San Pablo Ave., the development will feature one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, along with amenities such as a fitness center, community garden, and children's play area. Monthly rents will range from $899 for a one-bedroom to $3,324 for a three-bedroom unit. According to the 2025 Housing Needs Report from the California Housing Partnership, renters in Alameda County need to earn $50.73 per hour to afford the average rent of $2,638. John Calise, assistant superintendent of facilities at Berkeley USD, said: “Affordable housing is a mainstay for thriving communities,” highlighting the project's importance for educators and their families. The city of Berkeley has allocated $26.5 million to support the initiative.
EdSource
----- TECHNOLOGY -----
How teachers can use AI to enhance student writing experience
In an article for Education Week, Dennis Magliozzi and Kristina Peterson, high school English teachers from New Hampshire, discuss the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT in writing education. They emphasize the importance of using AI responsibly, explaining: "We don't seek to pit human authorship against AI; rather we aim to show how the two can work together." The authors outline four key rules for students: write without AI first; struggle independently; prompt the AI; and question its suggestions. They highlight varied student responses to AI, with some embracing it for inspiration while others prefer to maintain their unique voice. The article advocates for viewing AI as a scaffold for learning rather than a shortcut, encouraging critical thinking and creativity in writing.
----- WORKFORCE ----
School nurses continue to be in short supply
Nationally, school districts are having a harder time putting nurses in every building. The aim of school nursing is to manage students’ health needs so they can be ready to learn, but changes in education policy and scientific advances mean more children with health needs are coming to school. “While that is our goal and it’s better for the student, it creates this increased caseload,” said Kate King, executive director of the National Association of School Nurses (NASN). “That inclusion has really increased the work of the school nurse.” Nationally, only about two-thirds of public schools have access to a full-time school nurse, such as a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse, according to a 2021 study from the NASN. Urban schools in the Northeast and the South are generally better staffed than rural schools in the Midwest and the West, data shows. As the number of students with medical needs in schools has grown, the number of nurses has plummeted. Some retired or left the field during the coronavirus pandemic. Competition for remaining licensed health-care professionals has made it harder for the public sector to attract nurses, who can earn more working in hospitals.
More schools are adopting a 4-day school week. One Montana town tried to fight it
Montana first allowed the four-day school week in 2005, replacing a requirement for a 180-day school year with a 1,080-hour minimum to allow for “greater flexibility in the school calendar.” A three-part study from the University of Montana painted a grim picture of the four-day school week’s outcomes for both students and their schools.
Based on student testing data from 2008 to 2023, the study found that student learning suffered in the four-day school week. At the elementary level, reading proficiency was lower in the four-day districts by as much as 7 percentage points. For math proficiency, it was a difference of up to 14 percentage points. Including one-room schoolhouses, only 11 of the 141 four-day districts examined performed above the state averages or were improving academically.
The Montana Office of Public Instruction commissioned the study after the state saw a surge in four-day school weeks post-Covid and gave researchers access to data going back to when Montana schools first started making the switch. It’s not just Montana: Four-day school weeks are growing across the nation, as is other research that also shows negatives in academic outcomes.
One Montana Town Tried to Fight It
----- CLASSROOM -----
Majority of high schoolers feel unprepared for post-graduation
A new report from Jobs for the Future, Gallup, and the Walton Family Foundation, has found that fewer than 30% of high school students feel "very prepared" for what to do after graduation, whether it be work, a traditional four-year college degree, or other options. In a survey of Gen Z high schoolers and their parents, both groups were most aware of two traditional post-graduation pathways: pursuing a four-year college degree and joining the workforce. About a third of high schoolers and more than half of parents said they knew “a great deal” about bachelor’s degree options and paying jobs. However, both said they didn’t know as much about other pathways, such as certification programs, internships, apprenticeships, military options or entrepreneurship. Parents were the most trusted source for post-graduation guidance, followed by teachers, other family members, and school counselors. Additionally, fewer than half of fewer graduates said their school prepared them for any option other than college or a job. “In order to build a stronger economy, we have to help young people understand not just what jobs are out there, but what pathways are available to them to pursue and succeed in those jobs,” said Jobs for the Future chief executive Maria Flynn. “Young people need support exploring their career interests and education pathways at a much earlier age so they graduate high school with a tangible understanding of the kind of training and skills they’ll need for the jobs of tomorrow."
----- SECURITY -----
Teen dating violence on the rise
Recent data reveals a troubling increase in teen dating violence in Fresno, with the Fresno Police Department reporting 14,980 domestic violence-related incidents from February 2023 to March 2025. In 2024 alone, there were 13,000 cases, with 329 specifically involving youth aged 13 to 19, marking a 27% rise from the previous year. Experts emphasize the importance of recognizing early warning signs of abuse, which often begin with psychological manipulation rather than physical violence.
Schools face ICE raid fears
Los Angeles USD is facing heightened anxiety due to recent ICE raids, including the detention of a fourth grader and his father. Superintendent Alberto Carvalho expressed concern, stating: "These actions are causing unnecessary fear, confusion, and trauma for our students and families." Many families are avoiding school events out of fear of deportation, with some parents missing their children's graduations. Principal Arturo Enriquez emphasized the community's strength, urging families to stand against injustice. Gov. Gavin Newsom and State Superintendent Tony Thurmond have condemned the federal actions, calling them a betrayal of American values. The situation has left many immigrant families feeling unsafe and anxious about their children's education.
----- LEGAL -----
Supreme Court backs Tennessee's transgender law
The U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday upheld a Tennessee law banning certain gender-transition treatments for minors, which may influence similar state-level restrictions on transgender rights. The 6-3 decision in United States v. Skrmetti, came in response to a challenge brought by the Biden administration, three families and a physician who had argued that Tennessee's law violated the Constitution's guarantee of equal protection under the law. The court concluded that the state's measure, which is known as SB1 and was enacted in 2023, does not run afoul of the 14th Amendment's equal-protection clause, and allows it to regulate sports eligibility and restroom access for transgender students. Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. commented: “This case carries with it the weight of fierce scientific and policy debates about the safety, efficacy, and propriety of medical treatments.” The SB1 law prohibits puberty blockers and hormone therapy for minors transitioning genders, affecting approximately 300,000 transgender youths in the U.S. The ruling may have broader implications for ongoing cases in Arizona, Idaho, and West Virginia regarding transgender participation in sports. Trans rights advocates said they’re worried the ruling could push trans youth in other states to more dangerous, unsupervised sources of gender affirming care.
CBS News Chicago Tribune Education Week News
Supreme Court boosts rights for students with disabilities
On Thursday, the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously ruled in favor of students with disabilities in the case of A.J.T. v. Osseo Area Schools, making it easier for them to seek damages under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. wrote: “We hold today that ADA and Rehabilitation Act claims based on educational services should be subject to the same standards that apply in other disability discrimination contexts. That our decision is narrow does not diminish its import for A.J.T. and a great many children with disabilities and their parents. Together they face daunting challenges on a daily basis. We hold today that those challenges do not include having to satisfy a more stringent standard of proof than other plaintiffs to establish discrimination” under the two federal laws. The case arose from the situation of Ava Tharpe, a Minnesota student with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome, who faced challenges in receiving appropriate educational accommodations after moving to a new school district. The ruling overturns a previous requirement for a higher standard of proof, allowing families to pursue claims without facing undue burdens. The decision is seen as a significant step in protecting the rights of students with disabilities.
Washington Post Education Week News EdSource
----- HEALTH & WELLBEING -----
Pre-K teachers struggling with stress
In the aftermath of pandemic challenges, many pre-K teachers are contemplating leaving their positions due to overwhelming stress and inadequate pay. A recent RAND survey involving 1,427 public school pre-K teachers revealed that these educators experience work-related stress at nearly double the rate of other professions. Elizabeth Steiner, a senior policy researcher at RAND, said: “Teachers of public school-based pre-K were generally more stressed.” Key stressors identified include student behavior, mental health issues, and low compensation, with pre-K teachers earning about $7,000 less than their K-12 counterparts. Additionally, they reported working an average of eight unpaid hours weekly, compounded by excessive administrative tasks.
Rising demand for school meals
According to a recent report by the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC), more students are accessing free and reduced-price meals in schools, largely due to the implementation of universal meal laws in several states, including New York. Despite this increase, participation remains below pre-pandemic levels. Clarissa Hayes, deputy director at FRAC, emphasized that any drop in participation "is bad because we know how critical school breakfast and school lunch are for the health and education outcomes of all children.” While proponents argue that universal meal programs reduce administrative burdens and stigma, critics raise concerns about costs and potential subsidies for families who can afford meals. The report indicates that 12.2m children received free or reduced-price breakfast, and 21.1m received lunch in the 2023-24 school year, marking increases of 8% and 6.8%, respectively, from the previous year. However, challenges remain as federal funding for school meal programs faces cuts.
----- HIGHER EDUCATION -----
Judge extends ban on Trump order targeting Harvard's international students
In a hearing on Monday, U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs temporarily extended a restraining order against President Donald Trump's order to block foreign students from attending Harvard University. A lawyer representing Harvard argued that the students were being used as "pawns" in a larger political struggle. The order will remain in effect until June 23, allowing time for further legal proceedings. This situation highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding immigration policies and their impact on educational institutions.
Oregon expands teaching grant eligibility
Oregon's state grant for university students pursuing teaching degrees has been revised to eliminate restrictions based on race or language. This change, prompted by concerns over potential legal challenges, allows any candidate with experience in diverse populations to apply. Kyle Thomas, director of legislative and policy affairs for the Higher Education Coordinating Commission, explained that the goal "is to make sure that the aspiring educators that we award grants to are those that have the skills necessary to serve the culturally and linguistically diverse populations.” The modification aims to address the significant demographic gap between Oregon's public school students and teachers, as over 40% of students are non-white, while only about 14% of teachers identify as such. The new criteria will apply to grants awarded for the upcoming academic year, with current applicants needing to reapply.
----- INTERNATIONAL -----
New student visa vetting rules unveiled
The U.S. State Department has issued new guidelines for vetting student visa applicants, emphasizing the need to identify "hostile attitudes" towards American values. This directive, communicated to diplomatic posts globally, mandates a thorough review of applicants' online presence, including social media and other digital footprints. The guidance aims to ensure that individuals seeking entry into the U.S. respect its laws and principles. The new vetting process is to be implemented within five business days, with a focus on expediting appointments for certain categories of applicants, including J-1 physicians and F-1 students at universities with low international student populations.
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