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Mental health, counselling, nutrition and student support. Every published story we monitor on this topic, newest first — filter further by state or date to narrow the view.
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.
The Maryland State Department of Education announced updated income eligibility guidelines for school meals provided at no cost or at a reduced price in Maryland.
Colorado education officials announced $23.8 million in two noncompetitive grants to help schools buy locally grown ingredients, prepare meals from scratch and raise pay for nutrition workers.
Pennsylvania education officials announced USDA income thresholds for meal assistance and free milk, effective July 2026 through June 2027. Schools use them to determine program eligibility.
Mississippi education officials announced federal income thresholds for free and reduced-price meals under school lunch, breakfast and after-school snack programs.
Maryland’s top education official reported that the share of students who are chronically absent has fallen over four years, in an announcement from the state education department.
Colorado education officials, the Denver Broncos Foundation and Attendance Works started a cohort serving 53 schools, offering training and resources to improve attendance and reduce chronic absenteeism.
Connecticut students posted gains in math, science and English language arts in 2025–26. Chronic absenteeism fell to 16.4%, down from 23.7% in 2021–22.
Colorado's chronic absenteeism rate fell to 27.5% in 2025-26, its lowest level in four years. State education data show attendance rose slightly to 91.5%, up from 91.4% a year earlier.
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.
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.
Massachusetts Governor Healey is working with Project Bread to offer meals at no cost to children attending child care settings and afterschool programs.
Massachusetts Gov. Healey increased school funding to help retain teachers, paraprofessionals and mental health counselors, supporting staffing in the state's schools.
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