Solar Prep orchestra teacher inspires excellence through music
At Solar Prep in the Dallas Independent School District in Texas, an orchestra educator encourages students to pursue excellence through music instruction.
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At Solar Prep in the Dallas Independent School District in Texas, an orchestra educator encourages students to pursue excellence through music instruction.
Jessica Howard, who teaches business and computer science at Lone Tree, was selected from nine regional finalists for the statewide honor. She brings industry experience to career-connected learning.
Sarah Steffens, a K–4 reading interventionist at Elm Grove Elementary, was selected from seven statewide finalists and will represent Missouri in the National Teacher of the Year competition.
Shandra Botello, Alex Adkisson and Melissa Corwin were notified in their classrooms that they are among eight finalists for Colorado’s 2027 Teacher of the Year award.
2028 Gwinnett County Teacher of the Year: Gwinnett selects semifinalists for district’s top honor
Teachers at Vista PEAK Preparatory High School and Strasburg High School are among eight finalists for Colorado’s 2027 Teacher of the Year award, selected from 21 semifinalists.
Jason Cochrane, Arjun Sahdev and Jessie Russett are among eight finalists for Colorado’s 2027 teaching honor. State education officials surprised the three with the news in their classrooms.
Atlanta Public Schools in Georgia has called off every event planned for Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026. The district cited anticipated bad weather as the reason for the cancellations.
Clark County School District elementary students will be off Oct. 12 for parent-teacher conferences. Their classes resume Oct. 13, 2026; the break applies only to elementary students.
Clark County School District's Oct. 12-16 observance features the theme “Cafeteria Circus.” The district served 25.5 million lunches during the 2025-2026 school year.
Clark County trustees reviewed data showing 73% of district schools improved or maintained star ratings. They also approved naming a new Skye Canyon elementary school after Joyce Woodhouse.
The Illinois State Board of Education will meet at 10:30 a.m. Oct. 14, 2026. Its agenda includes a St. Charles School District 303 presentation, a mandate reduction report and public participation.
The new school year is underway for students in the Scholar TAG program at W.T. White High School, part of the Dallas Independent School District in Texas.
At Titusville Area School District, 60 students design, build and sell machine parts for local manufacturers through Rockets Manufacturing, a program that includes paid opportunities.
Dominique James, a graduate of Bryan Adams in Texas’ Dallas Independent School District, has achieved a historic milestone, though no specifics were provided.
Clark County School District trustees Brenda Zamora and Linda Cavazos will discuss community communication and family resources Oct. 14 at Duane D. Keller Middle School.
Houston Independent School District alumni discuss learning another language, traveling internationally and discovering new interests while pursuing a college education.
State funding for Bradford Area schools has risen 19.8% since 2023. The district’s Fretz Middle School library offers 17,000 books and other materials, plus AI and digital literacy classes.
Clark County School District students will sell produce and handcrafted goods Oct. 14 at the Clark County Government Center in Las Vegas. All profits will go back into school garden programs.
Six Orange County school districts will be selected to test approaches aimed at improving student outcomes over three years. Applications are open through Dec. 4, 2026; prior recipients are ineligible.
Applications have opened for SOTA at Central Gwinnett High School in Georgia’s Gwinnett County Public Schools. The application period covers the 2027-28 academic year.
Students across Nevada’s Clark County School District will take part in walking parades to promote safe, active travel. The district’s Safe Routes to School program provides commuting safety resources.
Students at Fort Belvoir Upper in Virginia are turning books into votes during Fat Bear Week. The activity encourages reading at the Fairfax County Public Schools campus.
An elementary school in Georgia’s Gwinnett County Public Schools district has received recognition from the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, according to the announcement.
Gettysburg Area School District has received more than $490,000 in state safety and mental health grants since Gov. Josh Shapiro took office, using some funds to hire social workers.
A new mahjong program in Dallas Independent School District in Texas combines competitive play with opportunities for participants to use strategy and skill.
The school board in Georgia’s DeKalb County has selected Dr. Norman C. Sauce III as superintendent, placing him at the helm of the county’s school district.
Clark County School District families can apply by Jan. 12, 2027, for Open Enrollment, Magnet programs and Central Technical Training Academy for the 2027-2028 school year.
OCDE’s Language Services team gathered 35 professionals from the department and 18 school districts to explore adapting educational materials for multilingual children and families.
Gwinnett County Public Schools in Georgia announced the release of a survey focused on developing the school district's budget for the 2028 fiscal year.
Gwinnett County Public Schools in Georgia reports an increase in graduation rates, with a higher share of students completing high school across the district.
Clark County School District lost 10,400 students, cutting state funding by about $100 million. Emergency aid will help restore staff positions and support staff hours reduced in fall cuts.
More than 100 Westminster School District students performed traditional Mexican folk dances at the city’s Fall Festival, putting bilingual skills into practice and exploring community cultures.
Clark County School District offers fire science programs at three high schools, where students use professional equipment and study fire protection and prevention to prepare for firefighting careers.
Dallas Independent School District in Texas held a design workshop focused on its 2026 bond, with ideas developed during the collaborative planning session.
The Dallas Independent School District plans to hold a school fair in Texas. The event is described as the largest of its kind in the North Texas region.
UCHealth’s $15,000 award to the APS Foundation will fund hands-on healthcare career learning for eighth graders and help expand the district’s Summer Bridge Program in the 2026-27 school year.
Nevada’s Clark County School District recognized its custodians for keeping schools clean, safe and ready for students, and shared a message from Superintendent Jhone Ebert.
Clark County School District’s Family Engagement Department is offering free activities and books for pre-K–12 families at Lorenzi Park on Oct. 17, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
A former Sunset P-TECH student in Texas’ Dallas Independent School District has begun a career, with the start coming two years after the student graduated.
In Texas, Dallas Independent School District's parent workshops focus on special education and supporting the success of students who receive those services.
Fairfax County Public Schools in Virginia lists submissions to FCPS CARES for October 2026. The material covers submissions for that month in the school district.
Potomac Falls High School sophomore Akanksha Mamileti completed a dual enrollment Python course and programmed robots through ACCESS Academy as she explores technology careers.
Wake County families can meet district staff at Panther Creek High on Sept. 30, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., to ask about the 2027-28 enrollment plan. Spanish interpreters will be available.
Atlanta Public Schools in Georgia reported that its student graduation rate exceeded 91%, reaching the highest level ever recorded by the school district.
DeKalb County School District in Georgia reports that its graduation rate has increased over a three-year period, with three milestones reached during that time.
Orange County schools identified more than 32,000 students experiencing homelessness in 2024-25, using a broader federal definition than the county’s point-in-time count.
At a middle school in Texas's Houston Independent School District, phonics supports student learning across 35 languages represented in the school community.
Wellness counselors led activities across Los Alamitos Unified’s nine campuses, where students and staff used greetings, posters and conversations to address social isolation and foster belonging.
Westminster High School students collected produce during the Giving Farm’s ninth annual harvest on Sept. 16. The watermelons will go to the OC Food Bank for distribution to Orange County families.
Dallas Independent School District in Texas provides a summary of its school board’s meetings held during September 2026, covering the district’s board proceedings.
House members returned to their districts for a work period through early November after passing a measure extending federal funding through Dec. 11. The Senate remains scheduled to meet next week.
A dance club run by students is bringing the school community together at Bryan Adams High School, part of the Dallas Independent School District in Texas.
Dallas Independent School District is highlighting a Dallas Bands United competition featuring student musicians and encouraging support for those taking part.
Students in Georgia’s Atlanta Public Schools posted their highest results to date on Advanced Placement exams, setting a new record for the school district.
Georgia's Gwinnett County Public Schools has put its redistricting plans on hold, pausing the district's planned process for changing school attendance boundaries.
Dallas Independent School District in Texas launched its 2026 bond program, valued at $6.2 billion, with a design workshop called the BIG Design Charrette.
CoSN published a guide by Jesse Davis and a companion toolkit to help K-12 district leaders adopt and sustain new technologies, using a framework focused on five outcomes for managing change.
School Board Agenda Information September 22, 2026
School Board Summary September 22, 2026
AASA surveyed 429 district leaders in 43 states; 67% cited federal funding as a challenge for meal programs, and 40% said they used other budget funds to cover meal costs last year.
Illinois schools will use updated USDA income thresholds to determine student meal benefits for 2026-27. The criteria apply to free and reduced-price breakfast, lunch and after-school snacks.
Sudie Williams TAG in Dallas Independent School District, Texas, has high student attendance, with engaging school days credited for helping bring students to campus.
Maine DOE and France’s Académie de Nantes are seeking school interest in a 2026–2027 partnership linking students and educators through climate literacy, French language learning and shared projects.
Northside ISD in San Antonio became the 12th Texas school system to earn CoSN’s Trusted Learning Environment Seal for privacy practices. The district serves about 95,500 students.
Updates on district compensation and organizational studies
Dallas Independent School District and DART have started a program offering practical training for people seeking to become technicians in the automotive field.
AASA and NSPRA opened registration for joint training for superintendents, communications leaders and district teams, covering civic engagement, district identity and crisis communication.
José "Joe" May Elementary School in Dallas Independent School District improved its Texas Education Agency rating by three grade levels over the course of one year.
NYC Public Schools Chancellor Kamar H. Samuels greeted students across all five New York City boroughs as they returned to class for the start of the 2026–2027 academic year.
Enrollment in Hawaiʻi’s public and charter schools fell 1.6% from last school year, according to state education officials. Despite the statewide decline, 93 public schools recorded increases.
Dallas Independent School District in Texas features Elizabeth Ponce-Garza in its AlumNow series, which highlights former students of the school district.
Students at most public campuses on Kauaʻi return Sept. 14 after storm closures. Kīlauea Elementary reopens Sept. 15, while Hanalei Elementary students return Sept. 21 as recovery continues.
Dallas Independent School District in Texas has announced a set of themes for each week of its observance of Attendance Awareness Month during the 2026 calendar year.
The 44 Iowa elementary students selected for a 10-year math enrichment program will receive mentoring and learning support. They come from 18 public school districts and four accredited nonpublic schools.
The September issue of NASBE’s State Education Standard explores how states and districts can align accountability systems, school supports and resources to improve student learning.
School Board Summary September 8, 2026
School Board Agenda Information September 8, 2026
The Texas Education Agency announced that a total of 329 schools across Texas will receive the Purple Star Campus designation for the 2026–27 school year.
Illinois is allocating $15 million for educator recruitment and retention in fiscal 2027. The 100 selected districts account for about 77% of reported teacher vacancies statewide.
The Colorado Department of Education issued initial 2026 performance results based on 2025-26 data. The annual frameworks guide district accreditation and school ratings.
... Superintendent’s Update: Welcome to the 2026-27 School Year Read More
‘I never doubted it:’ Wheatley High School Alumni Reflect on the Campus’ Rise to Excellence with 2026’s A-Rating
The Illinois State Board of Education released a planning resource to help districts prepare to offer annual mental health screenings for grades 3-12 starting in 2027-28. Parents may opt their children out.
The New York State Education Department has selected an academic monitor for Wyandanch Union Free School District, with the appointment coming ahead of the 2026-27 school year.
Pennsylvania’s program has placed 42 school psychology interns in 22 schools this year. Eligible interns in high-need districts may receive stipends, Praxis fee waivers and additional training.
District 49 will oversee the online schools for 2026-27 after Education reEnvisioned BOCES dissolved. The schools enrolled 4,707 students last year; teachers and student supports will remain in place.
Connecticut awarded grants to 41 special education programs to expand local and regional services for students with disabilities and reduce reliance on out-of-district placements.
Florida Education Commissioner Henry Mack marked the start of the 2026-27 academic year with visits to providers spanning early childhood education through career preparation.
August 12: APS In The News - A District on the Rise
AASA is inviting superintendents and school leaders to submit blog posts and short videos about hope in their districts. Submissions will be featured on campaign and social media pages during the school year.
GCPS Parent Mentors host workshop: Establishing a Positive Foundation for the New School Year
CoSN published an executive summary to help K-12 district leaders address screen time rules, with guidance on learning, online safeguards and local decisions. The full guide is limited to members.
The Illinois State Board of Education released fiscal 2027 district allocations. Every school district will receive more state funding than last year, with updated counts of low-income students.
A New School Year Begins with Listening, Learning, and Hope
Three GCPS schools achieve 100% participation in district's Cybersecurity Training
Governor Ron DeSantis highlighted Florida’s education achievements ahead of the 2026-27 school year, describing the state’s results as leading the nation.
Keith R. Krueger will leave his role as CoSN chief executive in spring 2027. During his tenure, the association expanded training for district technology leaders and advocated for federal E-Rate funding.
Beginning in the 2026-27 school year, a statewide Mississippi Department of Education initiative will help students link school lessons to college, work and life beyond school.
For the 2026-27 school year, Mississippi education officials designated 15 elementary schools as Emerging Science of Reading Schools and one as a Science of Reading School.
Gov. Mike Kehoe named Michael McDonald and Vincent Schoemehl Jr. to Missouri’s education board. McDonald, a Park Hill math teacher, fills a nonvoting advisory seat vacant since its creation in 2018.
Kansas has been authorized by the federal government to pilot a new student assessment system designed to administer assessments throughout the school year.
Discovery Education’s Science Techbook assessment content will be integrated into Renaissance’s DnA and SchoolCity platforms, letting districts review science results alongside other assessment data.
The Mississippi Department of Education has made public the results of the Kindergarten Readiness Assessment for the 2025-26 school year in Mississippi.
AASA introduced 10 district leaders from across the country who will contribute to its Schools of Thought blog this year, sharing experiences and lessons from leading school systems.
The Mississippi Department of Education briefed the State Board of Education on the Mississippi Math Act and Adolescent Literacy Initiative, both set for the 2026-27 school year.
Get Ready for the 2026-27 School Year!
Connecticut’s free, six-week program will prepare aspiring paraeducators for a required assessment, cover exam and study costs, and connect successful participants with hiring districts.
Mississippi public school districts will receive access to state Education Enhancement Funds on July 15, allowing teachers to buy instructional supplies for their classes throughout the school year.
The Illinois State Board of Education issued a framework to help K-12 districts decide how to use AI in teaching and operations. It includes policy tools but sets no statewide classroom mandates.
Humble ISD in Texas earned four Trusted Learning Environment Mini Seals for privacy practices in leadership, business, staff training and classrooms, affecting more than 48,000 students.
Mississippi public and charter schools will use Renaissance’s Star Math in grades K–5 and Star Reading in grades 4–8 for required screening beginning in the 2026–2027 school year.
The Florida Department of Education describes the state's education performance as a continuation of its record of excellence for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Year-round calendar families: Welcome to the 2026-27 school year!
NYC Public Schools has introduced an institute for educators tied to the United States' 250th anniversary, linking the district's new initiative to the national milestone.
Lovejoy ISD Board of Trustees Named 2026 Region 10 Outstanding School Board
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