#EducationAccess
LightNews LightNews
citizenptnewstn.bsky.social
The Sumner County Library Board is pausing its decision on controversial juvenile books amid public outcry and legal scrutiny, planning a deeper discussion in February.

Get the details!

#SumnerCounty #TN #EducationAccess #SumnerCountyLibrary #YouthLiterature #CitizenPortal #CivicAccountability
Sumner County library board defers action on juvenile book reviews, schedules February work study
Facing public objections and legal concerns about transgender-themed books, the Sumner County Library Board voted to defer decisions, hold a February work study with directors present and authorize directors to mark the state report 'board in deliberation' to meet the Secretary of State deadline.
citizenportal.ai
January 17, 2026 at 2:00 AM
citizenptnewsus.bsky.social
The Department of Education is proposing a groundbreaking formula to cap tuition for Workforce Pell programs, tying costs to actual earnings and potentially reshaping access to education.

Learn more here

#US #EducationAccess #CitizenPortal #TuitionCap #ArkansasWorkforce #CivicAccountability
Department outlines formula to cap tuition for Workforce Pell programs; negotiators debate data, timing and small‑cohort rules
The Department proposed a value‑added earnings cap (adjusted median earnings minus 150% of the poverty line) to limit Workforce Pell program tuition and described a cohort‑aggregation waterfall with privacy thresholds; negotiators raised concerns about timing, tax‑year alignment, data sources and small programs.
citizenportal.ai
January 17, 2026 at 1:24 AM
citizenptnewsus.bsky.social
New federal proposals could change the game for students seeking online Workforce Pell funding, but mixed reactions raise concerns about potential administrative hurdles.

Click to read more!

#US #EducationAccess #OnlineLearning #StateAStateB #WorkforceDevelopment #CitizenPortal
Education Department proposes governors' bilateral pacts for cross‑state Workforce Pell online enrollment
The Department proposed new language requiring governors of two states to enter bilateral agreements before Workforce Pell funds can be used by students who live in one state to enroll fully online in programs based in another; negotiators debated scope, timing, and data‑sharing implications.
citizenportal.ai
January 17, 2026 at 1:14 AM
citizenptnewsnm.bsky.social
Doña Ana County is stepping up its game with a new water-technology internship program and over $800,000 in funding for fire-rescue equipment!

Click to read more!

#DoñaAnaCounty #NM #EducationAccess #WorkforceDevelopment #DoñaAnaCountyInternships #PublicSafety #CitizenPortal
Doña Ana County commissioners approve college internship, authorize bond work and fund fire-rescue equipment
Doña Ana County commissioners approved an agreement to create a water-technology internship with Doña Ana Community College, authorized design work for projects tied to a recently passed general obligation bond with possible reimbursement up to $10 million, and allocated more than $800,000 for fire-rescue equipment.
https://citizenportal.ai/articles/7291248/Doña-Ana-County/New-Mexico/Doña-Ana-County-commissioners-approve-college-internship-authorize-bond-work-and-fund-fire-rescue-equipment?source=bluesky&loc=NM
January 17, 2026 at 1:01 AM
citizenptnewsus.bsky.social
Rep. Roger Williams is pushing for trade-school pathways to combat soaring dropout rates and student debt, advocating for clear comparisons between college and trade tuition.

Learn more here!

#US #EducationAccess #StudentDebtRelief #WorkforceDevelopment #CitizenPortal #TexasTradeSchools
Rep. Roger Williams pitches trade-school expansion and proposals to curb ninth-grade dropouts
Rep. Roger Williams said he is promoting bills to encourage trade careers, including requiring state schools to show trade-school tuition comparisons to applicants and urging four-year colleges to offer trade degrees to address a workforce gap and student-debt concerns.
citizenportal.ai
January 16, 2026 at 10:30 PM
citizenptnewsus.bsky.social
The U.S. Department of Education is reshaping the Workforce Pell program to enhance accountability and clarify eligibility for incarcerated and disabled students.

Learn more here

#US #EducationAccess #DepartmentOfEducationWorkforcePell #AccountabilityInEducation #CitizenPortal #EquityInEducation
Department of Education negotiators refine Workforce Pell rules on eligibility, appeals and liabilities ahead of consensus vote
Negotiators and Department staff advanced proposed Workforce Pell regulatory text that tightens how programs lose and regain eligibility, clarifies state appeal roles and timing, and spells out liability and Pell restoration mechanisms tied to value‑added earnings and placement metrics.
citizenportal.ai
January 16, 2026 at 12:41 PM
citizenptnewsut.bsky.social
The Ogden City School District is modernizing its policies on AI use and student enrollment, aiming to enhance privacy and accessibility for all students.

Click to read more!

#UT #EducationAccess #DataGovernance #AIEthics #CitizenPortal
Ogden board approves first readings of updated AI, enrollment and data-governance policies
The board approved first readings of several policy updates addressing AI acceptable use, student enrollment procedures (moving from 'required' to 'requested' documentation), nondisclosure assurances, and data governance; motions passed on voice votes. The board asked that some policies be returned to Policy & Law for possible consolidation.
citizenportal.ai
January 16, 2026 at 8:24 AM
citizenptnewsus.bsky.social
The House Education and Labor Committee's narrow vote on the Pregnant Students Rights Act ignites fierce debate over the adequacy of support for pregnant students in higher education.

Get the details!

#US #EducationAccess #ReproductiveHealth #StudentRights #CitizenPortal
House Education and Labor Committee reports Pregnant Students Rights Act after heated debate
The committee voted 21–15 to report HR 6359, the Pregnant Students Rights Act, after Republican proponents said it requires colleges to inform students of Title IX protections and Democrats argued it provides incomplete, one-sided information and lacks supports like childcare and funding. Several Democratic amendments were defeated.
citizenportal.ai
January 15, 2026 at 11:15 PM
citizenptnewsaz.bsky.social
Brenda Smith, the new Director of Migrant Programs, unveiled an incredible initiative supporting 2,500 students with vital services like tutoring, college trips, and GED assistance!

Click to read more!

#AZ #EducationAccess #YumaMigrantEducation #MigrantSupport #FederalFunding #CitizenPortal
New migrant programs director outlines services for 2,000–2,500 students in YUHSD
Brenda Smith, the district’s new director of migrant programs, described a program staff of 17 serving roughly 2,000–2,500 students with tutoring, cap-and-gown assistance, college trips, GED support for out-of-school youth, and coordination for partner schools using federal migrant education funds.
citizenportal.ai
January 15, 2026 at 10:57 PM
citizenptnewsmd.bsky.social
The board is taking bold steps to ensure that every student has access to vital career and technical education programs, including plans to bus eighth graders to facilities and explore regional partnerships!

Click to read more!

#MD #EducationAccess #WorkforceDevelopment #MarylandCareerEducation
Board discusses expanding CTE access, buses and regional options to reduce wait lists
CTE supervisor Adam Tolley told the board the district will use carryover blueprint funds to bus eighth graders to CTE programs, add materials to middle schools, and explore regional partnerships with Chesapeake College to ease trade‑program wait lists.
citizenportal.ai
January 15, 2026 at 10:46 PM
citizenptnewssc.bsky.social
Charleston County School District is making strides with new schools, expanded AP recognition, and a transformative $5.5 million mental-health grant aimed at enhancing student support.

Click to read more!

#SC #EducationAccess #MentalHealthSupport #CollegeReadiness #CitizenPortal
CCSD superintendent highlights AP recognition, new schools and $5.5 million mental‑health grant in midyear report
Superintendent Huggins told trustees the district won national AP recognition at six schools, opened two large capital projects paid by the penny sales tax, and secured a multi‑year $5.5 million mental‑health grant that will add psychologists and recruitment incentives targeted to North Charleston schools.
citizenportal.ai
January 15, 2026 at 9:15 PM
citizenptnewswa.bsky.social
Dozens of parents and students rallied to save Vancouver Flex Academy, arguing its closure could jeopardize the future of vulnerable learners.

Get the details!

#WA #EducationAccess #DisabilityInclusion #MentalHealthSupport #CitizenPortal
Parents and students urge Vancouver School District to reverse plan to close Flex Academy (Lehi)
Dozens of parents, students and staff told the Vancouver School District board the planned closure of Vancouver Flex Academy (Lehi) was handled poorly and will remove a legally necessary, effective placement for many students with disabilities. Speakers urged the board to pause and find alternatives.
citizenportal.ai
January 15, 2026 at 2:44 PM
citizenptnewswi.bsky.social
Pewaukee School District is closing open-enrollment seats for special education and speech services starting in 2026-27 to maintain quality amidst rising student numbers.

Learn more here!

#WI #EducationAccess #CommunityResources #PewaukeeSpecialEducation #SpecialNeedsSupport #CitizenPortal
Pewaukee board to close some special‑education and speech open‑enrollment seats for 2026–27
Following a caseload analysis, Director of Student Services Tony Stranky recommended closing open‑enrollment seats in several cross‑categorical special‑education programs and speech and language services for 2026–27 to preserve service quality; the board approved the closure and separately declared 35 general open‑enrollment seats.
citizenportal.ai
January 15, 2026 at 8:01 AM
citizenptnewsnc.bsky.social
The Public Schools of Robeson County are seizing a historic opportunity following Congress’s recognition of the Lumbee Tribe, paving the way for enhanced resources and partnerships that could transform education for local students.

Learn more here

#NC #EducationAccess #NorthCarolinaTribe
Public Schools of Robeson County board congratulates Lumbee Tribe on federal recognition
The board publicly congratulated the Lumbee Tribe after Congress granted federal recognition in December 2025; district leaders outlined a webinar and upcoming attorney briefing to help the district and community prepare for changes and opportunities.
citizenportal.ai
January 15, 2026 at 6:04 AM
citizenptnewsma.bsky.social
Danvers may face a budget crisis as proposed changes to Essex Tech admissions could drastically shift student numbers and costs, potentially adding hundreds of thousands to the town's expenses.

Get the details!

#TownofDanversEssexCounty #MA #EducationAccess #VocationalTraining #BudgetImpact
Committee hears Essex Tech rep warn DESE lottery and admissions changes could shift costs
Danvers' Essex Tech representative warned that a DESE-mandated lottery and a preliminary ruling prioritizing sending-district seats over out-of-district agricultural seats could materially affect Danvers' student distribution to Essex Tech and the town's tuition payments (Essex Tech seats cost about $18,000 per student).
citizenportal.ai
January 14, 2026 at 4:59 PM
citizenptnewsva.bsky.social
Parents and students are rallying against proposed school boundary changes that threaten to disrupt community ties and vital academic programs, urging the board to listen to their concerns.

Click to read more!

#VA #EducationAccess #CommunityCohesion #CitizenPortal #VirginiaSchools
Parents, students and community groups urge board to preserve IB/AAP access and local feeder patterns; Centerville community calls for accelerated construction
At a Jan. 13 Fairfax County School Board hearing, many parents and students from the Justice/Glasgow pyramid, Beech Tree, Crossfield and Cardinal Forest urged the board to reverse or delay proposed rezoning that they say splits neighborhoods and disrupts IB/AAP program access; Centerville stakeholders pressed for faster CIP action citing mold and aging systems.
citizenportal.ai
January 14, 2026 at 4:34 PM
citizenptnewstx.bsky.social
Conroe ISD is taking a crucial step in mental health awareness by approving new survey questions aimed at identifying gaps in care for students, teachers, and parents.

Learn more here!

#TX #TexasSchools #EducationAccess #CrisisIntervention #MentalHealth #CitizenPortal
Conroe ISD SHAC approves mental-health survey questions for board review
The Conroe ISD School Health Advisory Council approved mental-health and suicide-prevention survey questions developed by its subcommittee and will send them to district legal and the school board for clearance and distribution planning. Members cited gaps in postvention and inconsistent campus resources.
citizenportal.ai
January 14, 2026 at 3:56 PM
citizenptnewsus.bsky.social
The UN warns that while aid reaches some, a staggering 1.1 million people in Gaza urgently need help as storm damage escalates the crisis.

Click to read more!

#US #EducationAccess #ChildNutrition #EmergencyAssistance #GazaHumanitarian #CitizenPortal
UN warns Gaza remains in dire need as partners face access and NGO restrictions
UN spokesperson said partners delivered supplies to 28,000 families but warned 1.1 million people in Gaza still urgently need help; she also said education supplies have been denied entry and recent bans on some international NGOs hinder last‑mile humanitarian deliveries.
citizenportal.ai
January 14, 2026 at 12:08 PM
citizenptnewsny.bsky.social
South Bronx United is transforming lives by using soccer to not only fuel athletic dreams but also to provide vital academic support and workforce development for over 200 youth in the Bronx.

Learn more here!

#Bronx #NY #EducationAccess #WorkforceDevelopment #YouthEmpowerment #BronxSoccer
South Bronx United says soccer-based academic programs keep youth on track; academy serves about 200 students
South Bronx United described a soccer-centered model linking athletics and academics: roughly 1,900 participants across programs and an SBU Academy of about 200 middle and high school students who must attend academics to play; workforce development keeps youth engaged up to 12 hours weekly.
citizenportal.ai
January 14, 2026 at 8:39 AM
citizenptnewsok.bsky.social
Oklahoma City Public Schools celebrates a significant milestone with 47% of juniors and seniors completing post-secondary options, surpassing their target and paving the way for even greater goals by 2030!

Learn more here

#OK #EducationAccess #CareerReadiness #StudentSupport #CitizenPortal
OKCPS board accepts Goal 3 monitoring report; district reports 47% of juniors and seniors completed at least one postsecondary option
Superintendent Jamie Polk told the board that 47% of 11th and 12th graders completed at least one postsecondary option in 2024'25, exceeding the district's annual target; the board voted 8'0'00 to accept the Goal 3 monitoring report and approved the consent agenda by the same margin. Polk identified credit recovery, uneven awareness, and transportation as ongoing barriers and laid out next steps.
citizenportal.ai
January 13, 2026 at 6:20 PM
citizenptnewsnm.bsky.social
Doña Ana County is taking bold steps to create 800 career pathways linked to Project Jupiter, aiming to revolutionize local workforce development!

Click to read more!

#DoñaAnaCounty #NM #EducationAccess #CommunityEngagement #WorkforceDevelopment #DoñaAnaCounty #CitizenPortal
Doña Ana County hears proposal for advisory committee to connect residents to Project Jupiter jobs
Presenters urged creation of a county advisory committee to coordinate training, wrap-around services and a permanent workforce fund so local residents can access jobs tied to Project Jupiter; commissioners asked staff to draft a resolution and budget for future board consideration.
https://citizenportal.ai/articles/7270104/Doña-Ana-County/New-Mexico/Doña-Ana-County-hears-proposal-for-advisory-committee-to-connect-residents-to-Project-Jupiter-jobs?source=bluesky&loc=NM
January 13, 2026 at 2:35 PM
citizenptnewsme.bsky.social
Community leaders and residents are rallying for change, demanding that Cumberland County end its controversial contract with ICE, citing growing fears that are disrupting schools and threatening public safety.

Learn more here

#CumberlandCounty #ME #EducationAccess #CumberlandCountyImmigrants
Hundreds of residents urge Cumberland County to end jailICE contract
More than two dozen residents, students and advocates urged the Cumberland County Commission during a one-hour public-comment period to terminate the county jails contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, citing community fear, disruptions in schools and petitions signed by nearly 3,000 people.
citizenportal.ai
January 8, 2026 at 3:13 AM
citizenptnewsmn.bsky.social
Richfield's school district is making waves by proposing a revolutionary shift to four full-day pre-K sections for 4-year-olds, backed by a sliding fee schedule aimed at increasing accessibility for families.

Click to read more!

#MN #EducationAccess #CitizenPortal #CommunitySupport
Richfield proposes four full‑day pre‑K sections, board approves sliding‑scale fees for full‑day pilot
District leaders proposed moving to four full‑day pre‑K sections for 4‑year‑olds (one in each elementary) and continuing some half‑day options; the board approved a sliding fee schedule tied to federal income levels and available scholarships to support a fiscally responsible start.
citizenportal.ai
January 7, 2026 at 12:51 PM
citizenptnewsny.bsky.social
The Locust Valley Central School District has voted to shift the burden of International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement testing fees to families, while still supporting low-income students in need.

Learn more here

#NY #EducationAccess #StudentSupport #CitizenPortal #NewYorkSchools
Locust Valley BOE adopts policy shifting IB/AP testing costs to families, keeps coverage for low-income students
The Locust Valley Board adopted a resolution making families responsible for IB and AP testing fees beginning the 2627 school year, while the district will continue to pay fees for students eligible for free or reduced-price meals and handle individual hardship cases.
citizenportal.ai
January 2, 2026 at 11:03 PM
citizenptnewsny.bsky.social
Commissioner Griffin's bold proposal for a Multicultural and Multilingual Support Initiative could reshape how our district supports diverse language learners—are we ready for the challenge?

Click to read more!

#NY #EducationAccess #LanguageInclusion #CulturalResponsiveness #CitizenPortal
Commissioner proposes district Multicultural & Multilingual Support Initiative; board debates governance role
Commissioner Griffin presented a proposal for a districtwide Multicultural and Multilingual Support Initiative (MMSI) to address alleged gaps in services for non-Spanish multilingual students and OCR compliance concerns; the board debated whether the proposal crossed into administration operations and raised questions about existing state-mandated plans and recent OCR findings.
citizenportal.ai
December 29, 2025 at 12:04 PM