Chalkbeat

The Denver school board will hold a special meeting on July 27 to address concerns raised by Superintendent Alex Marrero, who alleged the board is overstepping its authority. Marrero's June email highlighted disputes over policy governance, with his contract allowing termination if governance policies are materially altered. Board President Xóchitl Gaytán confirmed the meeting aims to resolve concerns without invoking contract termination clauses.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has prioritized childcare, transportation, and housing in his first six months in office, but K-12 public education has received minimal attention, with only 11 press releases and one new policy affecting classrooms. Experts and education advocates question his focus on K-12 schools, which constitute a major portion of the city's government operations.

Pennsylvania's We Love Philly organization offers pre-apprenticeships in digital marketing and cybersecurity to high school students and recent graduates. The state has expanded these programs, with nearly 3,200 participants in 2023, and Governor Josh Shapiro proposes doubling investment to $7 million. However, there is no guarantee of jobs post-training, and data on program effectiveness remains limited.

Most Iowa school districts have agreed to exclude undocumented high school students from federally funded career and technical education programs, following the Trump administration's interpretation of the 1982 Plyler v. Doe Supreme Court decision. The policy limits access to dual enrollment and career training, citing a distinction between 'basic public education' and postsecondary opportunities.

A federal judge temporarily blocked a state takeover board's authority over Memphis-Shelby County Schools, preventing disruptions to contract payments and operations ahead of the 2026-27 school year. The court order aims to maintain the status quo as the district prepares for the August 3 start date.

New York City officials delayed the release of AI guidance for schools after backlash to a March draft policy. The policy, initially set for June release, will now be published this summer due to public concerns and over 6,500 comments. The draft proposed a traffic light framework for AI use but excluded student AI use, sparking criticism from parents and council members worried about learning and mental health impacts.

Chicago Public Schools are increasingly relying on alternate revenue streams as budgets tighten, according to a report by Chalkbeat and the Chicago Tribune. Mila Koumpilova from Chalkbeat discussed the findings on The Point.

The Trump Administration moved oversight of special education and civil rights enforcement from the Department of Education to two separate agencies. Chalkbeat national editor Erica Meltzer provides an analysis of the changes.

The New York Knicks' NBA championship victory led to a planned ticker-tape parade on a school day conflicting with science Regents exams. Some parents and a student have started petitions to reschedule the parade or cancel school, citing equity concerns for students taking exams. Mayor Zohran Mamdani, known for prioritizing citywide fun for students, faces challenges in securing another waiver to adjust school schedules.

New York City public schools will remain open and the Regents exam schedule will not be altered for a Knicks ticker-tape parade on Thursday, despite conflicts with science and math exams. Some families and students have expressed concerns, with petitions calling for rescheduling, but officials emphasize students should proceed with exams as planned.

NYC public schools will not face budget cuts next year, with funding remaining steady or potentially increasing despite a 10% enrollment drop over six years. Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Chancellor Kamar Samuels emphasized maintaining or boosting financial support to ensure stability for students and educators.

School districts nationwide are facing budget cuts due to declining enrollment, rising healthcare costs linked to GLP-1 weight loss medications, and other financial pressures. Over half of the 50 largest districts are poised to cut staff, programs, or services, with examples like Broward County Public Schools reducing 1,000 staff positions and closing six schools.

The Philadelphia school district plans to phase out its Intensive Learning Support (ILS) program for students with additional learning needs by the end of the school year, aiming to integrate them into general education classrooms with additional services. The decision, led by chief of special education Nathalie Nérée, cites minimal academic growth in ILS students and aligns with research supporting inclusion. However, some teachers fear the move may strain resources and leave students without adequate support.

Sal Khan, founder of Khan Academy, reflects on the challenges of integrating AI into education and explains why the anticipated AI revolution in schools, particularly through Khanmigo, has not yet materialized. The article highlights ongoing obstacles in AI adoption within educational systems.