August 11, 2020

Some California districts, teachers struggle to agree on distance learning

The Legislature set minimum hours but left it to districts and unions to define instruction, engagement and set the length of a school day.

John Fensterwald

August 7, 2020

Why special education funding will be more equitable under new state law

The state plans to spend an additional $650 million on special education under new law.

Carolyn Jones

August 5, 2020

Official figures released on state, federal CARES Act funding to districts to address Covid-19

Official awards from CARES Act funding to California school districts now public. Funds can be used for protective equipment and supplies, student meals and planning for school reopening.

Daniel J. Willis And John Fensterwald

July 29, 2020

California charter schools sue state for not funding additional students this year

School funding is based on last year’s student enrollments but that eliminates money for charter schools that already had planned to expand.

John Fensterwald

July 27, 2020

Schools want to hire more counselors amid budget woes

Districts anticipate huge demand for mental health services, but funding will be tight for new staff.

Carolyn Jones

July 24, 2020

School police give way to more counselors in California districts as demands grow for reform

Demands for police reforms include increasing mental health services which are seen as key to helping young people, especially Black students, succeed studies say.

Carolyn Jones

July 22, 2020

Budget deferrals today could force schools into a $23 billion hole next year

Do not be lulled into the mistaken idea that schools have been protected from cuts by the state budget solutions adopted last month.

Robert Manwaring

July 10, 2020

State funding may be stagnant, but schools can still find money for mental health services

Schools should work with nonprofits and government agencies to pay for expanded services, panelists say.

Carolyn Jones

July 10, 2020

California school superintendents navigate safety concerns, conflicting guidance as they plan to reopen schools

Districts are starting to finalize reopening plans for the coming school year amidst uncertainty.

Diana Lambert

July 8, 2020

Helping English learners succeed should be a top priority for schools amid the pandemic

Professional development for teachers is key to closing opportunity gaps.

Anya Hurwitz

July 2, 2020

Some teachers unions, districts at odds over live distance learning instruction

The California Teachers Association says a 45-year-old law on classroom recordings prevents districts from requiring live online instruction.

John Fensterwald

July 2, 2020

Small California school districts face overwhelming challenges to reopen schools

California’s smallest school districts struggle to pay for supplies, staff and technology needed to reopen schools.

Diana Lambert

July 1, 2020

Oakland Unified wants voters to approve $735 million bond for school upgrades

Bond measure to be placed on the Nov. 3 ballot would cover one-fifth of the $3.4 billion need identified in a Facilities Master Plan.

Theresa Harrington

July 1, 2020

Community colleges struggle with students’ food needs as pandemic increases demand

As food needs for California's community college students have increased, their campus food pantries face stagnant budgets.

Betty Márquez Rosales

July 1, 2020

Guide to California’s education budget deferrals: pros, cons and costs of delayed payments

School districts prefer late payments to budget cuts but some districts will bear a larger burden, and it may be years before deferrals are paid off.

John Fensterwald