Reopening
In a divided vote Monday, Shelby County commissioners adopted the 2026-27 school year budget that includes teacher bonuses for high-need positions and $200 million for building repairs.
MSCS leaders toured schools rejoining the district and those absorbing students displaced by recent closures on the first day of classes. Here’s what they shared.
With district leadership still up in the air, MSCS is diving into chronic absenteeism solutions and math curriculum changes. And more school closures are likely this year.
The Class of 2023 were freshmen when the pandemic disrupted in-person learning. District data indicate 84% of those students graduated in four years, the highest rate in modern history.
Blaming a driver shortage, the district decided this year to limit bus transportation to students with disabilities and those experiencing homelessness.
With only half of the 1,300 drivers needed to transport students who require bus service, Chicago said it will instead prioritize transportation for students with disabilities and those experiencing homelessness.
The public health crisis paused state testing, impacting how the state typically evaluates schools.
The education department’s spending per pupil has increased by 46%, in large part due to the billions in federal COVID aid the district received as enrollment has dipped.
For New York City’s nearly 30,000 students in shelters, getting to school is often a problem. Advocates are calling for an inter-agency task force focused on reducing chronic absenteeism among homeless kids.
There are still many open questions about how both would approach policy for schools.
Facing a budget shortfall because of enrollment declines, Soundview Academy’s principal made an unusual request to students, staff and families: Would they help market the school?
The share of students who were homeless has largely not budged even as public school enrollment has dipped by 9.5% since the pandemic.
Local conditions, not just national politics, drove reopening decisions
The scores are the first measure of how students across the five boroughs have fared in reading and math since the coronavirus pandemic.
The move has prompted mixed reactions from educators and parents.
Return to the choir room ‘is like seeing your best friend.’
Masking, routine testing and other precautions will be relaxed this school year
District taps COVID relief funds to support family-friendly Summer on the Block events, summer programming and door-to-door outreach
The court’s order brings whiplash to back-to-school planning. Four days prior, a lower court ruled the city needed to redo the education department budget.
Student enrollment has big implications for public schools, and declines can lead to less funding and school closures or mergers.