CDPH updated school guidance requires masking, relaxes quarantine

The California Department of Public Health today released updated COVID-19 guidance for K-12 schools. Like guidance released last week from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the foundational principle of the CDPH guidance is that all students should have access to safe and full-time, […]

New CDC school guidance presents possible tension with CDPH on masking

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on July 9 released updated “Guidance for COVID-19 Prevention in Kindergarten (K)-12 Schools” that emphasizes the benefits of in-person learning to students and the importance of implementing layered prevention strategies as determined by local circumstances, including levels of […]

Immediate surge in school shootings spotlights need for student SEL supports

April 2020 marked the first month with no shootings on school grounds in nearly two decades. It also marked the first full month in which students throughout the country remained home as schools and businesses closed their doors due to the rapid spread of COVID-19. […]

Budget trailer bill creates new programs and requirements

2021–22 Education Budget Trailer Bill Summary On Monday, July 5, the Legislature introduced this year’s education omnibus budget trailer bill (Assembly Bill/Senate Bill 130), containing greater detail on what California’s schools can expect from the 2021–22 Budget Act. Budget trailer bills address remaining points of […]

State budget agreement pays down all deferrals in a win for education advocates

The final state budget agreement between the Legislature and Gov. Gavin Newsom, Senate Bill 129, includes the full elimination of all funding deferrals — a major win for schools — and addresses areas of great need for California’s students, though concerns remain about funding for program […]

U.S. Supreme Court affirms school violated student’s First Amendment rights, but allows for some regulation of off-campus speech

On June 23, 2021, in Mahanoy Area School District v. B. L., the United States Supreme Court issued a highly anticipated opinion addressing a public school’s ability to regulate off-campus student speech. In an 8-1 decision, the Court held that while public schools may regulate […]

Superior court denies preliminary injunction in Cayla J. v. State of California  

On June 15, 2021, the Alameda County Superior Court made its first ruling in Cayla J. v. State of California, denying a motion for preliminary injunction in a lawsuit alleging that California has failed to offer equal education to low-income students of color during the […]

California education leaders on supporting LGBTQ students

The California Department of Education hosted a webinar series during Pride Month on supporting LGBTQ students covering topics including free training and access to partnerships, California Education Code 218 and examples of schools and organizations working for change. During one of the events, State Superintendent […]

Turning crisis into opportunity: Resources for board members in planning for the 2021–22 year and beyond

By Jeremy Anderson CSBA’s Delegate Assembly met on May 16, 2021 to discuss one of the most significant and scrutinized issues in the history of California public schools: the return of full-time, in-person instruction statewide. Nearly 250 Delegates were organized into 14 breakout rooms to […]