School district insolvency on the rise

The current financial climate — in which districts can expect increased state involvement — was predictable and preventable, experts say.

How an Indiana district puts a premium on teacher autonomy

In Eastern Hancock Schools, giving teachers room to make decisions is key to realizing the district’s four strategic promises.

Report: Teacher program cuts to have ‘lasting negative effects’ on schools

Recommendations in a new UCLA brief include seeking alternative funding and supporting teachers pursuing certification.

Florida schools will test armed drones this fall to thwart shooters

Three districts will have the devices available as a first-response option that coordinates with local law enforcement, says Campus Guardian Angel.

Week In Review: Challenges abound as a new school year begins

We’re rounding up last week’s news, from chronic absenteeism progress to severe weather’s impact on schools.

What do enrollment declines mean for teacher shortages?

During COVID-19, districts hired more teachers despite ongoing enrollment declines. That led to a reversal in broad teacher shortages, researchers say.

Broward County Public Schools faces enrollment drops, possible closures

The nation’s sixth largest district is considering how to “address” 34 schools for potential closures or consolidations while facing enrollment declines.

These 4 trends are shaping the 2025-26 school year

From enrollment to AI, education leaders face a variety of obstacles and opportunities as students return to classrooms.

2 dead, 17 injured in Minneapolis school shooting

The "frontal assault" style attack used during the mass shooting is relatively rare at schools, one school shooting expert said.

How can districts help families navigate rising school supply costs?

As Trump’s tariff policies ramp up and families face sticker shock over back-to-school shopping, some K-12 leaders are leaning on creative ways to assist.

States, districts seek to end federal funding freeze lawsuits

The Education Department promises to release a second tranche of federal grant funding in early October, court records show.

How can schools launch sustainable drone programs?

Connecting drone usage to real-world scenarios and making curricula engaging beyond the first year are key, experts say.

Advanced manufacturing expansion opens CTE opportunities for rural schools

Industry partnerships and career education are crucial to prepare rural students for work in this growing field, a recent report says.

6 ways administrators are handling cellphone bans in the new school year

School and district leaders say stakeholder input, consistent enforcement of rules and lessons in digital usage have helped their policies succeed.

Severe weather eroding school finances and learning

An NWEA report estimates that students lose 3.6 days of learning for every day of school missed due to severe weather.

Charter school expansion slows amid closures, low enrollment, report says

A recent report alleges stagnating enrollment, underperformance and waste are among challenges the sector faces.

EEOC seeks to enforce subpoenas against school district that sued agency over bias probe

The news comes weeks after New Mexico’s Gallup-McKinley County Schools sued the commission, alleging its investigation exceeded EEOC’s authority.

How are education leaders combating chronic absenteeism?

Making school attendance a state-level priority and building school-family relationships are among strategies showing results.

3 questions for K-12 leaders to consider amid the AI tutoring boom

While artificial intelligence tutors appear to gain traction in schools, little research exists on the efficacy of these tools for students.

Week In Review: OCR staffers to return amid changing Title IX enforcement

We’re rounding up last week’s news, from music education’s impact on literacy to the latest Education Department changes.

Should schools be the centerpiece of heat resilience action?

Advocates say local governments must set a model for climate-smart leadership with enforceable standards and resources to protect children.

Education Department plans return of laid-off OCR staffers

More than 260 civil rights staff cut as part of a March reduction in force will return in waves through November, according to court documents.

Proposal would remove federal data collection for special education racial disparities

Even if the federal collection was eliminated, states would still need to collect and interpret data for significant disproportionality, experts say.

Updated Aug. 22, 2025

American Lung Association urges school radon testing

HVAC systems must be functioning properly, with clean filters, for the tests to accurately identify levels of the radioactive gas, the organization says.

5 Northern Virginia districts put on high-risk status for Title IX violations

The U.S. Department of Education said the districts must now process a collective $50 million through reimbursements.