Chalkbeat
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Chalkbeat is a nonprofit news network covering schools and education policy across the U.S. Follow our education journalism at chalkbeat.org. Have a news tip? Here's how you can reach us: ckbe.at/contact-chalkbeat or email us at community@chalkbeat.org
Chalkbeat editors Matt Barnum and Erica Meltzer will discuss with Lindsey Burke, the Department of Education’s deputy chief of staff for policy and programs, why the Trump administration wants to eliminate the agency and how officials are already working to do so. RSVP at the link below.
Chalkbeat Ideas: The Future of the Education Department with Lindsey Burke
Join us for our next Chalkbeat Ideas event, where our journalists examine the big ideas and debates shaping American schools.
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December 23, 2025 at 11:15 PM
Chalkbeat editors Matt Barnum and Erica Meltzer will discuss with Lindsey Burke, the Department of Education’s deputy chief of staff for policy and programs, why the Trump administration wants to eliminate the agency and how officials are already working to do so. RSVP at the link below.
NYC educators say having smaller classes is “amazing,” but finding the space and funding to reach 100% compliance remains a giant puzzle.
NYC teachers rave about smaller classes but struggle to find enough space
NYC educators say having smaller classes is “amazing,” but finding the space and funding to reach 100% compliance remains a giant puzzle.
bit.ly
December 23, 2025 at 10:01 PM
NYC educators say having smaller classes is “amazing,” but finding the space and funding to reach 100% compliance remains a giant puzzle.
The city’s 2026 budget includes a $1 billion surplus of money from special tax increment financing districts, known as TIF. Chicago schools will get a little over half of that.
Chicago’s City Council passed a budget for 2026. Here’s what it means for the city’s schools.
The city’s 2026 budget includes a $1 billion surplus of money from special tax increment financing districts, known as TIF. Chicago schools will get a little over half of that.
bit.ly
December 23, 2025 at 9:01 PM
The city’s 2026 budget includes a $1 billion surplus of money from special tax increment financing districts, known as TIF. Chicago schools will get a little over half of that.
Michigan school districts argued language in the state budget about funding for school safety and mental health violates the Michigan Constitution.
Judge rules against Michigan school districts in funding dispute, but appeal underway
Michigan school districts argued language in the state budget about funding for school safety and mental health violates the Michigan Constitution.
bit.ly
December 23, 2025 at 6:10 PM
Michigan school districts argued language in the state budget about funding for school safety and mental health violates the Michigan Constitution.
Zohran Mamdani campaigned on ending mayoral control of New York City’s public school system — by far his most significant education promise.
As Mamdani vows to end mayoral control of NYC schools, it has already weakened under Adams
Zohran Mamdani campaigned on ending mayoral control of NYC schools. Eric Adams has already ceded some of it.
bit.ly
December 23, 2025 at 5:15 PM
Zohran Mamdani campaigned on ending mayoral control of New York City’s public school system — by far his most significant education promise.
House GOP will push forward on Memphis schools takeover plan to install oversight board with ‘teeth’
Tennessee Republicans eye 2026 Memphis schools takeover oversight board
House GOP will push forward on Memphis schools takeover plan to install oversight board with ‘teeth’
bit.ly
December 23, 2025 at 3:55 PM
House GOP will push forward on Memphis schools takeover plan to install oversight board with ‘teeth’
Here’s a preview of the education issues that will be worth watching in the new year.
7 Colorado education issues we’re watching in 2026
Here’s a preview of the education issues that will be worth watching in the new year.
bit.ly
December 22, 2025 at 10:26 PM
Here’s a preview of the education issues that will be worth watching in the new year.
How should Zohran Mamdani improve NYC schools? Here’s what parents, students, educators, and experts told us.
21 big ideas for NYC schools from New Yorkers to Mamdani (Part 2)
How should Zohran Mamdani improve NYC schools? Here’s what parents, students, educators, and experts told us.
bit.ly
December 22, 2025 at 7:50 PM
How should Zohran Mamdani improve NYC schools? Here’s what parents, students, educators, and experts told us.
Friends of the Children Philadelphia pairs struggling elementary school students with a paid professional mentor through high school. Those who run the program say the model is backed by research.
New Philly mentorship program creates long-term ‘Friends’ for kids
Friends of the Children Philadelphia pairs struggling elementary school students with a paid professional mentor through high school. Those who run the program say the model is backed by research.
bit.ly
December 22, 2025 at 6:45 PM
Friends of the Children Philadelphia pairs struggling elementary school students with a paid professional mentor through high school. Those who run the program say the model is backed by research.
Sign up to attend and submit questions for a top Trump administration official
What’s the future of the Education Department? A Chalkbeat Ideas Event
Sign up to attend and submit questions for a top Trump administration official
bit.ly
December 22, 2025 at 6:15 PM
Sign up to attend and submit questions for a top Trump administration official
Candidate filing opens today for MSCS school board seats. Most incumbents will seek reelection, especially those facing shortened terms. Here’s who’s running so far.
Who’s running for Memphis school board in 2026? Here’s what we know so far.
Candidate filing opens today for MSCS school board seats. Most incumbents will seek reelection, especially those facing shortened terms. Here’s who’s running so far.
bit.ly
December 22, 2025 at 6:10 PM
Candidate filing opens today for MSCS school board seats. Most incumbents will seek reelection, especially those facing shortened terms. Here’s who’s running so far.
Why does the Trump administration want to eliminate the Department of Education? What does it mean for students, educators, and parents? Join us for this important discussion: ckbe.at/4arS85q
December 21, 2025 at 2:15 PM
Why does the Trump administration want to eliminate the Department of Education? What does it mean for students, educators, and parents? Join us for this important discussion: ckbe.at/4arS85q
Chalkbeat Colorado's annual discussion of key education topics likely to surface during the upcoming legislative session is fast approaching. RSVP at the link below.
Chalkbeat Colorado 2026 Legislative Preview
RSVP to attend Chalkbeat's annual discussion of key education topics likely to surface during the upcoming legislative session.
bit.ly
December 20, 2025 at 3:15 PM
Chalkbeat Colorado's annual discussion of key education topics likely to surface during the upcoming legislative session is fast approaching. RSVP at the link below.
The Denver school board approved a two-year, $3.5 million contract with TeachStart to provide year-long substitute teachers for certain schools.
Denver to contract with outside company to provide in-house subs for high-needs schools
The Denver school board approved a two-year, $3.5 million contract with TeachStart to provide year-long substitute teachers for certain schools.
bit.ly
December 20, 2025 at 12:21 AM
The Denver school board approved a two-year, $3.5 million contract with TeachStart to provide year-long substitute teachers for certain schools.
On Jan. 14, we’ll explore the U.S. Department of Education's past, present, and future with Lindsey Burke, deputy chief of staff for policy and programs at the department. RSVP to join this important conversation.
Chalkbeat Ideas: The Future of the Education Department with Lindsey Burke
Join us for our next Chalkbeat Ideas event, where our journalists examine the big ideas and debates shaping American schools.
bit.ly
December 20, 2025 at 12:20 AM
On Jan. 14, we’ll explore the U.S. Department of Education's past, present, and future with Lindsey Burke, deputy chief of staff for policy and programs at the department. RSVP to join this important conversation.
Chicago Public Schools is trying to make its Sustainable Community Schools initiative work despite issues with unspent funds and staff turnover.
How can Chicago build a better community school?
Chicago Public Schools is trying to make its Sustainable Community Schools initiative work despite issues with unspent funds and staff turnover.
bit.ly
December 19, 2025 at 11:41 PM
Chicago Public Schools is trying to make its Sustainable Community Schools initiative work despite issues with unspent funds and staff turnover.
Chicago Public Schools is about to more than triple the number of Sustainable Community Schools at a cost of $35 million annually. But the program hasn’t led to widespread improvements in student outcomes, a Chalkbeat analysis suggests.
How should Chicago measure if its Sustainable Community Schools model is paying off?
Chicago Public Schools is about to more than triple the number of Sustainable Community Schools at a cost of $35 million annually. But the program hasn’t led to widespread improvements in student outcomes, a Chalkbeat analysis suggests.
bit.ly
December 19, 2025 at 11:35 PM
Chicago Public Schools is about to more than triple the number of Sustainable Community Schools at a cost of $35 million annually. But the program hasn’t led to widespread improvements in student outcomes, a Chalkbeat analysis suggests.
Superintendent Nikolai Vitti is asking the state to change a law he says punishes districts for the systemic issues that cause chronic absenteeism.
Detroit district stands to lose millions from the state for low daily attendance
Superintendent Nikolai Vitti is asking the state to change a law he says punishes districts for the systemic issues that cause chronic absenteeism.
bit.ly
December 19, 2025 at 10:26 PM
Superintendent Nikolai Vitti is asking the state to change a law he says punishes districts for the systemic issues that cause chronic absenteeism.
An Indianapolis task force has recommended what amounts to unified control over district-run schools and charters in the city. That plan is rooted in decades of history involving desegregation efforts, a prominent former mayor, advocacy dollars, and more.
How a fractured Indy school landscape reached the verge of a huge shakeup
An Indianapolis task force has recommended what amounts to unified control over district-run schools and charters in the city. That plan is rooted in decades of history involving desegregation efforts, a prominent former mayor, advocacy dollars, and more.
bit.ly
December 19, 2025 at 10:06 PM
An Indianapolis task force has recommended what amounts to unified control over district-run schools and charters in the city. That plan is rooted in decades of history involving desegregation efforts, a prominent former mayor, advocacy dollars, and more.
A group of Tennessee county officials are urging Gov. Bill Lee to take advantage of a federal food benefits program they say is a vital tool to fight child hunger.
Will Tennessee reject summer 2026 federal aid for low-income students?
A group of Tennessee county officials are urging Gov. Bill Lee to take advantage of a federal food benefits program they say is a vital tool to fight child hunger.
bit.ly
December 19, 2025 at 9:31 PM
A group of Tennessee county officials are urging Gov. Bill Lee to take advantage of a federal food benefits program they say is a vital tool to fight child hunger.
Under a new state grant, Newark Public Schools will get more than $170,000 to implement a “bell-to-bell” policy limiting the use of cellphones.
Newark joins statewide push to limit use of cellphones in schools
Under a new state grant, Newark Public Schools will get more than $170,000 to implement a “bell-to-bell” policy limiting the use of cellphones.
bit.ly
December 19, 2025 at 7:55 PM
Under a new state grant, Newark Public Schools will get more than $170,000 to implement a “bell-to-bell” policy limiting the use of cellphones.
Two-thirds of Memphis-Shelby County Schools received a C or higher in the 2024-2025 school year. But the number of schools earning an F remained relatively stagnant.
More Memphis schools have passing grades on the state’s report card
Two-thirds of Memphis-Shelby County Schools received a C or higher in the 2024-2025 school year. But the number of schools earning an F remained relatively stagnant.
bit.ly
December 19, 2025 at 7:50 PM
Two-thirds of Memphis-Shelby County Schools received a C or higher in the 2024-2025 school year. But the number of schools earning an F remained relatively stagnant.
What big ideas should Zohran Mamdani consider to improve NYC schools? Here’s what families, experts, students, and educators told us.
18 big ideas New Yorkers want Mamdani to consider for NYC schools (Part 1)
What big ideas should Zohran Mamdani consider to improve NYC schools? Here’s what families, experts, students, and educators told us.
bit.ly
December 19, 2025 at 7:46 PM
What big ideas should Zohran Mamdani consider to improve NYC schools? Here’s what families, experts, students, and educators told us.
This holiday season, Philadelphia gun-violence prevention groups want to create space for grieving children to heal. Their work takes place in schools and beyond.
Why helping kids process their grief after gun violence can help keep others safe
This holiday season, Philadelphia gun-violence prevention groups want to create space for grieving children to heal. Their work takes place in schools and beyond.
bit.ly
December 19, 2025 at 7:15 PM
This holiday season, Philadelphia gun-violence prevention groups want to create space for grieving children to heal. Their work takes place in schools and beyond.
The proposed settlement reached last week to end the student loan repayment plan is just one of the Trump administration's steps to reshape these federal programs.
Beyond High School: The end of SAVE
The proposed settlement reached last week to end the student loan repayment plan is just one of the Trump administration's steps to reshape these federal programs.
bit.ly
December 19, 2025 at 5:51 PM
The proposed settlement reached last week to end the student loan repayment plan is just one of the Trump administration's steps to reshape these federal programs.