Chalkbeat

Tennessee gubernatorial candidates Marsha Blackburn and Jerri Green presented contrasting education platforms, with school choice being a major point of discussion. Blackburn supports expanding the Education Freedom Scholarship program (EFS) and altering charter regulations while criticizing "red tape." Green focuses on strengthening public schools, pledging to defund the voucher program and redirect those funds toward increasing teacher pay and access to support staff.

Indiana is advocating for a new postsecondary educational model where students enter the workforce through high school apprenticeship and internship programs, rather than going directly to college. The state's goal is helping more students secure high-paying jobs in fields facing shortages, with degrees serving as means of advancement later on. This initiative includes launching Indiana Career Apprenticeship Programs (INCAP) and involves Ivy Tech Community College for focused workforce development.

The Chicago Board of Education will be fully elected in November for the first time in 30 years, allowing registered voters to elect a representative and board president. This entity is tasked with creating the vision and setting priorities for Chicago Public Schools, including holding significant financial power over local property tax allocation. The board's function differs from CPS’ central office, which handles day-to-day operations.

Indiana charter schools could receive an estimated $49.5 million from upcoming ballot questions regarding property tax increases across several counties this November. While state law mandates that districts share these revenues, nearly all of the funds—$48.7 million—are not accounted for in official spending plans, leading to limited oversight on how the money might be used for operations like staff salaries or academic programs.

Indiana school districts are asking voters for higher property tax rates to cover operating expenses and adapt to new taxes like Senate Enrolled Act 1 from 2025. The article warns that some ballot questions may misleadingly suggest a new rate is added on top of existing taxes, when it may actually replace the current lower rate.

The Denver school board voted to hire the outside law firm Holland & Knight to represent it in legal matters involving the superintendent's contract and employment. This decision followed debates over avoiding conflicts of interest, stemming from a policy proposal made by board member Kimberlee Sia. Superintendent Alex Marrero has expressed concern that such an arrangement risks undermining established reporting structures.

Denver voters will consider a $44 million tax increase in November for the city's public schools. If passed, the funds would provide every Denver Public Schools employee with a $1,750 raise and support expanding student mental health and special education services. The measure is expected to increase property taxes by about $72 per year on a median home price of $624,800.

Newark piloted the state cellphone ban for K-12 students, a move mandated by new law requiring all New Jersey schools to implement a bell-to-bell prohibition on personal internet-enabled devices. During the pilot at Malcolm X Shabazz High School, staff found the policy successful due to engagement increases; however, concerns remain regarding emergency contacts and potential student anxiety. The state’s mandate also provided funding for districts to purchase storage systems like Yondr pouches.

Memphis voters will elect four school board members, but their local control may be limited by a nine-member oversight board appointed under a state takeover law. The authority of this state board is temporarily blocked by a federal court order concerning a challenge to the law's constitutionality. Amid these legal conflicts, the district is focusing efforts on increasing math proficiency and reducing chronic absenteeism.

Illinois is implementing a back-to-school sales tax holiday from Aug. 7 to Aug. 16, reducing the sales tax on qualifying school supplies and clothing for children and teens. Eligible items include school supplies like notebooks and backpacks, as well as clothing and shoes under $125, but exclude electronics and sports gear.

New York state reading proficiency dropped 5 percentage points to 48% in 2025, with fifth grade scores falling 14 points. Math proficiency rose slightly to 57%, while experts noted unusual fluctuations in test results. State officials are promoting the 'science of reading' to address literacy challenges.

Democrat Jocelyn Benson and Republican John James will face off in the Nov. 3 general election for Michigan governor, with education as a key issue. Benson emphasizes equitable school funding and higher teacher salaries, while James supports expanding school choice and federal tax credit scholarships. Both candidates won their primary elections against opponents Chris Swanson and Perry Johnson.

Detroit residents are voting on a $120 million operating millage proposal to fund the Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD). The vote follows a court decision halting the previous district's tax collection, requiring DPSCD to seek voter approval for revenue to cover salaries and programs. The millage applies to commercial, rental, and vacation properties, not primary homeowners.

High temperatures disrupt Philadelphia schools, with 50 schools lacking adequate cooling as summer begins. Progress has been made through HVAC upgrades and donations, but challenges remain in modernizing old buildings. The district plans to address this via a 10-year facilities plan.

New York City officials announced 2,000 spots in the inaugural 2-K program for 2-year-olds, with 5,700 families applying. Mayor Zohran Mamdani emphasized the demand for free childcare, pledging to expand the program to 12,000 seats next year. Priority neighborhoods in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx were targeted, with plans to include Staten Island in future expansions.

The Detroit Public Schools Community District held a virtual town hall to address public concerns raised by content creator Brandi McGill's viral videos criticizing the district's cleanliness and contracting practices. Attendees highlighted issues like poor maintenance, janitorial shortages, and difficulty contacting staff, while the district emphasized its budget transparency processes and plans to replace contracted services.

Memphis-Shelby County Schools reported a slight enrollment increase to nearly 106,000 students for the 2026-27 academic year, but teacher vacancies remain steady at around 300. The district plans to close up to 10 more schools due to high repair costs and underenrollment. Five schools closed in the previous year, displacing over 1,200 students, and the state takeover of the district remains under federal court review.

Chicago Public Schools will expand its Sustainable Community Schools program by adding 15 campuses, bringing the total to 51. These schools receive $500,000 annually to partner with nonprofits for student and family support, though prior analyses show mixed outcomes and unspent funds.

Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) is facing criticism for AI-generated low-quality educational content, including errors like incorrect historical depictions and missing alphabet letters. The platform's parent company, IXL Learning, claims algorithmic tools reduce such content, but educators report increasing concerns about classroom materials. Examples include a flawed poster on Black inventors and a U.S. presidents illustration with questionable symbolism.

New York City's Education Department is updating its approach to school avoidance under a legal agreement reached with attorneys who filed a class-action lawsuit. The agreement mandates designating school avoidance liaisons in all schools and emphasizes early intervention for students missing school due to social or emotional challenges.