Each week, AAE brings its members a round-up of what’s happening in education. From big, eye-catching headlines to the stories most papers overlook, we find the news our members really want to see. This week, we look at presidential candidates and education, cyber snow days, a troubled school district, and more!

Candidates Talk Education: In the days following the first Democratic primary debate and during the typically sleepy July 4^th week, many presidential candidates have focused on education. One issue that’s gained a lot of attention has been busing. The issue arose when Senator Kamala Harris, a product of busing, attacked former Vice President Joe Biden over his lack of support for it. News stories in the past year have reported that segregation in schools may be on the rise once more, making the issue a timely one. Harris has said she supports busing but that it should not be mandated by the federal government, despite its positive effects. Another candidate, Tim Ryan, has revealed his education plan, calling for mental health counselors to be assigned to all public schools.

New Pennsylvania Law Allows ‘Cyber Snow Days’: Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf has signed a bill that would allow schools flexibility when facing inclement weather. The bill allows a district to have students and teachers work from home for up to five days a year and still have those days count towards their instructional day requirement. Called ‘cyber snow days,’ these flexible work days will allow students to complete work online or to work on assignments prepared ahead of time. It is up to individual districts whether they want to participate in the program or not. In order to participate, districts will need to apply with the state every three years.

Troubled District Scrambles to Save School: The Benton Harbor School District in Michigan voted this week to reject state funding to keep its district open. The district has been struggling financially in recent years and has fallen increasingly behind neighboring districts. In June, the state’s governor weighed in saying that the district must close its only high school to resolve its funding issues. The district claimed it had already made significant improvements, pushing back against the plan. Some claim the governor’s motives may be racially motivated. After public outrage at the heavy-handed approach, the state presented the district with another option that would provide funding to the district and keep the school open. However, the school board claims the deal came with too many strings and that it was made without input from the district or community.

Happening Elsewhere:

About one-in-six U.S. teachers work second jobs – and not just in the summer

Dairy groups push coffee in schools to boost milk consumption

Charter School Leaders Warn Bernie Sanders: Freeze Would Hurt Students of Color

Mississippi enacts new laws on teacher pay, criminal justice

Fight over state funding for religious schools heads to federal appeals court

Education bill signed by Justice

Wolf signs bill regulating armed school security over calls for veto

Illinois governor signs order to protect transgender students

Vaccines: Kentucky students lose appeal of ban during chickenpox outbreak

Lakewood school district to get $36M in state funding

Las Vegas Officials Approve Plan Allowing Parking Tickets to Be Paid by Donating School Supplies

Elected as charter skeptics, Aurora school board members face a more complicated reality

Racist, anti-gay student flyers challenge Wyoming district

A timeline of events that led to the accusations against Washoe Superintendent Traci Davis

Atlanta teachers to get $3,000 raise after all

‘Important’ financial records missing from Harrisburg School District

L.A. charter schools’ plans: Take back mayor’s office, sue district, battle teachers union

Jury Awards Nearly $60M to Ex-Student Burned in NYC Classroom

National media outlets told the story of David Briscoe surviving the Santa Fe shooting. He wasn’t there.

Board, STEM Highlands Ranch Agree To 5-Year Charter Contract With Conditions

What’s going on where you are?

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