News Briefs | FYI
April 7, 2025
Spelling success
After eight rounds and numerous words, Seren Kim, a 6th-grade student from La Mesa Elementary School in Monterey Peninsula USD, outspelled 23 other students on March 1 to win Monterey County’s Spelling Bee with the word “bibliopegist.”
As champion, Seren will represent Monterey County at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C., in May.
“Practicing spelling requires patience, concentration, and a consistent effort,” said Monterey County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Deneen Guss. “The techniques and strategies that each student learns from preparing for this spelling bee will take them far in life, and I could not be more proud of them.”
Monterey County’s Spelling Bee winner Seren Kim poses with Monterey County Office of Education Deputy Superintendent Dr. Ralph Porras.
ED investigating CA’s parental notification law
The U.S. Department of Education has launched an investigation into California over the state’s new law that bars schools from requiring parental notification about a student’s sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.
On March 27, the Department of Education announced it is investigating the California Department of Education for alleged violations of the Family Educational Rights Privacy Act, which gives parents the right to access their children’s educational data. The federal Department of Education alleges that the CDE has abdicated the responsibilities FERPA imposes due to Assembly Bill 1955, which was signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom and took effect on Jan. 1, 2025.
“Teachers and school counselors should not be in the business of advising minors entrusted to their care on consequential decisions about their sexual identity and mental health. That responsibility and privilege lies with a parent or trusted loved one,” said Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. “It is not only immoral but also potentially in contradiction with federal law for California schools to hide crucial information about a student’s well-being from parents and guardians.”
Supporters of the law say it prohibits the forced outing of students who may not feel safe revealing their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression at home. AB 1955 also provides critical support and resources to help parents and families work toward acceptance on their own terms, according to Equality California, which supported the bill.
“California’s laws don’t keep parents in the dark — they simply prevent extremist school boards from passing policies that target transgender youth and intrude into the parent-child relationship,” said Tony Hoang, the executive director of Equality California, in a news release. “LGBTQ+ youth and their families deserve to have sensitive conversations on their own terms and in a way that ensures students feel safe and supported at school.”
The CDE has said there is no conflict between FERPA and AB 1955, which does not mandate nondisclosure — parents can still access student’s written records upon request.
“Our students must be safe in order to learn. I have heard from so many students and families whose safety has been impacted by forced outing policies,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, in a news release. “To our LGBTQ+ youth and families, I want to make sure that you hear us as loudly as we hear you: You are heard, you are protected, and you are loved.”
Rural CA schools to lose $33 million in federal funding
California schools stand to lose millions in federal funding after Congress did not include a longstanding financial lifeline for rural communities in its budget passed last month.
According to reporting from CalMatters, the Secure Rural Schools Act would have given at least $33 million to California counties with land owned by the federal government. The funding compensates counties for the loss of local revenue that cannot be generated on tax-exempt federally owned land.
According to the Small School Districts’ Association, the program was originally created in 2000 as a temporary solution to mitigate the loss of timber revenue affecting rural counties and schools. Despite multiple reauthorizations, the act expired at the end of FY 2023, placing thousands of rural communities at risk.
In February, U.S. Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale) and Rep. Joe Neguse (D-CO) introduced the Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act to reinstate the funding, but the bill wasn’t included in the budget and is unlikely to pass on its own, according to reporting from CalMatters.
“For rural counties, including those in my own district, Secure Rural Schools funding is essential,” said LaMalfa.
FYI
Join ACSA’s upcoming Virtual Networking Events
In 2024-25, several of ACSA’s councils will hold a Virtual Networking Event where administrators are able to join others with similar job positions or interests to network and learn. Upcoming events include Retirement (April 15), Human Resources (May 6), and Classified Educational Leaders (May 14). Please visit www.acsa.org/committees-councils to register and for the most up-to-date information as times and dates are subject to change.
Join CSHA at ‘The Power of Partnerships’ April 28-29
The California School-Based Health Alliance’s statewide School Health Conference in Anaheim April 28-29 is an opportunity for health practitioners, educators and advocates to connect and learn how to best support students with increased access to health care at school. Participate in innovative and inspiring sessions on the latest trends and developments in school-based health and student well-being. See details and register: bit.ly/CSHAconference.
Apply for Civic Learning award by April 18
The Civic Learning Award recognizes school-driven, district-supported civic learning efforts that engage students in civic learning. The awards are lead by the Power of Democracy Civic Learning Initiative with support from the CDE, and co-sponsored by California Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond. Now in its 13th year, the award has been presented 541 times to K–12 schools in 32 counties. This year, applications are due April 18 and honorees will be announced May 1. Submit an application at www.powerofdemocracy.org/civic-learning-award.