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The Great Divide
Race, class, and opportunity in our schools.

Trump’s private school vouchers create ‘conundrum’ for blue states on whether to take the money

Democrat-led states like Massachusetts will have to choose between worsening budget problems for public schools and passing up scholarship money funded with their federal tax dollars.

Parents’ group sues over BPS exam school admissions, alleging discrimination against white students
The same group also sued the district over a zip code-based admission policy it used during the pandemic.

EDUCATION
23 states, including Mass. and R.I., sue over Trump’s freeze on education funding
More than $6 billion in education funds were withheld from all 50 states on July 1.

After ICE detention, Milford teen Marcelo Gomes grapples with public spotlight and threat of deportation

Few cases have galvanized more local support than Marcelo Gomes da Silva, who was detained by ICE officers on his way to volleyball practice at his high school.

Immigration restrictions on Head Start ‘deeply threaten’ program’s work, state leader says

The prohibition forces Head Start to start screening children and families for their immigration status for the first time in its 60-year history.

Here’s what education gets out of Massachusetts’ new state spending plan

With education facing impending cuts at the federal level, the new $61 billion state budget continues free school lunches, community college, and regional transportation.

About The Great Divide

The Great Divide is a reporting effort dedicated to investigating race, class, and inequality in Boston-area schools. It is jointly funded by the Globe and the Barr Foundation, a Boston-based foundation that has prioritized student success in high school and beyond. The Globe maintains editorial control and independence over the project.

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Education Headlines

New Hampshire judge sees limit on state education board’s authority in school-choice dispute

The judge did not weigh in on a broader question about whether the state board can force local school boards to sign tuition contracts against their will.

Amid Trump cuts, Senators Warren, Markey call on Congress to fully fund special education

The Democrats said it was beyond time for Congress to make good on its 1975 funding pledge.

BPS Superintendent Skipper receives high marks in latest evaluation

Skipper earned roughly $350,000 last year, according to city records. The committee may enter into negotiations with her for a new contract.

RI EDUCATION

‘Significant cuts’ possible after Trump administration withholds $29 million from R.I. education

The federal funding, which was expected on July 1, impacts thousands of students who are learning English, attend after-school programs, or are adult learners.

School cellphone ban clears first hurdle in state Senate

Supporters of the ban have argued the devices distract students and encourage heavy use of social media, contributing to a growing mental health crisis among the nation’s youth.

Trump administration withholds about $27 million for N.H. schools

“We can’t wait while the government plays with impoundment,” said the president of a New Hampshire teacher’s union.

An autistic Newburyport teen hasn’t attended school in three years. The district is denying her a free public education.

Her story, in many ways, illuminates the strides left to be made 50 years after the US pledged to educate all disabled children.

Trump administration withholds more than $100 million from Mass. schools

The state’s $108 million is part of more than $6 billion in funds the Trump administration is withholding from education programs across the country.