Every week our newsroom monitors the news for the top stories in education from a variety of sources ranging from the mainstream media to blogs and other analysis, and compile them for you. Here’s the latest in education:
Supreme Court lets Trump fire hundreds of Education Department workers
USA Today
On Monday, July 14, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Trump administration, allowing it to fire hundreds of employees in its efforts to dismantle federal bureaucracy. While the Court’s liberal justices opposed and expressed fears about the sanctity of the separation of powers, the ruling majority did not elaborate on its choice. In a separate statement, Education Secretary Linda McMahon praised the Court for affirming “the obvious”: that the President, as head of the Executive Branch, has the ability to make staffing decisions at federal agencies. The federal government has been spending millions a month to compensate employees unable to work.
Two Dozen States Sue Trump Over $6.8 Billion School Funding Freeze
Education Week
On July 14, 2025, two Democratic governors and 22 Attorneys General filed a federal lawsuit against the Trump administration. This is in relation to the administration withholding over $6 billion in previously approved educational funds. Originally the funds were due on July 1, but they were frozen without following any proper legal procedures and without notice to any states. The states claim that this violates the Impoundment Control Act of 1974, breaks constitutional rules, and violates federal procedures. Democrats are speaking out against the loss of funding and claim that many grant programs risk being canceled. Notably, no Republican majority states have joined the suit.
Public school enrollment continues to fall, including in Virginia
Virginia Mercury
Virginia is one of the states where K-12 public school enrollment has declined sharply since the COVID-19 pandemic and many other states are in this same category for education rankings. Elementary and grade school levels have seen the steepest decline over the past five years. By 2031, there is expected to be almost an 8% decline nationwide in public school enrollment, with a drop of 4 million students enrolled in all public schools. Falling birth rates among families and school choice movements help explain the decline in public school enrollment in many areas throughout the country. As a result of this decline in enrollment, there is a decline in public school funding and this can lead to staffing reductions in schools, as well as infrastructure cuts. Resources will need to be carefully managed in order to support all of the students who are still choosing to maintain enrollment in public schools.
Trump’s Education Department cuts are ahead. Here’s what that means for students
ABC News
The Supreme Court has allowed the Trump administration to move forward with significant layoffs at the U.S. Department of Education, impacting hundreds of employees. While the department cannot be fully dissolved, this decision aligns with Trump’s goal to reduce federal oversight and return education control to states. Critics warn that this could harm vulnerable students by weakening protections and support systems. The agency’s responsibilities, including managing student loans and aiding disadvantaged students, may suffer. While some conservative leaders celebrate the decision, advocates stress the risks to equity, oversight, and public education as the department’s functions are redistributed.
CNN
The Department of Education’s sudden freeze on nearly $7 billion in federal education grants has thrown thousands of summer and after-school programs into crisis. Programs like Aspire Afterschool Learning, which serves low-income, immigrant families, now face closure, impacting students who rely on them for meals, language support, and safe environments. The freeze, linked to a political review of alleged ideological misuse of funds, has left communities scrambling. Advocates warn that vulnerable children will suffer most. Over 20 states are suing to unfreeze the funds, stressing the long-term damage to disadvantaged students if the grants aren’t restored quickly.
Nonprofit hopes to offer ten commandments posters to all Montgomery County schools
Houston Chronicle
Following the June 2025 passage of Texas Senate Bill 10, which requires a 16×20 inch poster of the Ten Commandments in every public K-12 classroom, a group of nonprofits is raising $10 per poster to furnish the six school districts in Montgomery County. The first round of posters was delivered on July 9th and additionally districts are slated to receive more in coming weeks. Opponents argue the law violates the constitutional separation of church and state, and have filed lawsuits challenging the mandate.
3 ways principals can help make schools safer | K-12 Dive
K-12 Dive
Heading into the 2025-2026 school year, K-12 schools all throughout the country will need to ensure that school safety is a paramount priority given national trends and other threats that may exist. Mental health of students is important but is often neglected during the school day as students move from class to class. Counselors, psychologists, and support staff can take steps to make the school environment more welcoming and provide safe spaces for students who need them, as well as offering care for students who may need it with available services. Practicing school safety drills and other protocols can help to prepare students and staff for when danger strikes, such as an intruder or natural disaster like a hurricane. Students with special needs and disabilities need focused attention and other accommodations to help them stay safe throughout the day. All of these steps can make schools throughout the country safer and more productive learning environments for students, as students learn best in a supportive and trusting environment.
