USDA cuts over $1 billion in local food purchasing for schools and food banks

The School Nutrition Association said the USDA cut the Local Food for Schools program for 2025. Click here for full article. Source: USA Today (Reuters), March 12, 2025.

Education Department announces massive layoffs, slashing nearly half its workforce

The agency’s employee count will plummet from 4,133 when President Donald Trump was inaugurated to about 2,183. Click here for full article. Source: K-12 DIVE, March 11, 2025.

What does closing the Department of Education mean for Pennsylvania students?

President-elect Donald Trump will enter office vowing to complete a mission that other Republican leaders have tried and failed to execute for more than four decades: Eliminating the U.S. Department… Read More

Even without vacancies, teacher shortages add pressures to school districts

There are over 5,500 teacher vacancies in Pennsylvania, and significantly less teachers getting certified compared to the past. Click here for full article. Source: Erie News Now, March 7, 2025.

Pennsylvania accepting school employee award nominations

The Pennsylvania Department of Education is now accepting nominations for the Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Award, a national honor from the U.S. Department of Education that celebrates non-teaching staff… Read More

New Secretary Linda McMahon unveils ‘final mission’ for U.S. Department of Education

McMahon — sworn in shortly after the Senate confirmed her bid Monday evening in a party-line vote — is already carrying out President Donald Trump’s sweeping education vision. Click here for… Read More

McMahon confirmed as education secretary

Linda McMahon says she will end federal bureaucracy at the U.S. Department of Education but did not commit to closing the agency. Click here for full article. Source: K-12 DIVE,… Read More

Pennsylvania launches Family Ambassador Pilot Program to support transition from preschool to kindergarten

The Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services announced the launch of the Family Ambassador Pilot Program to help children transition more seamlessly from preschool early intervention programs to kindergarten. Click here for full… Read More

The children left behind by free lunch programs — and the proposed $250M solution

Last session, state Rep. Emily Kinkead (D – Allegheny) introduced a bill that would provide free school lunch to all kids regardless of their family income, and another that would… Read More

Shapiro administration invests $199,840 in life-changing skills training to build a stronger manufacturing workforce

The Shapiro administration has invested $199,840 into the North Hills School District Welding Program through the Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career grant program. Click here for full article. Source: MyChesCo, February 24, 2025.