Federal Updates

This is a guest post from AESA member and AASA 2023-2024 president, Gladys Cruz.  It’s hard to believe, but this monthly series has been running for over a year now, providing just-in-time tips and tools to help maximize ESSER funding via effective summer programs. We have covered topics ranging from planning engaging enrichment, to  making summer…

K-12 education groups applaud expansion to enhance greater internet connectivity for public schools and libraries nationwide  Alexandria, Va. – June 26, 2024 – Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel today announced the FCC will vote to expand its E-Rate program for Wi-Fi hotspots and wireless internet access services at its July meeting.   Today’s announcement…

On June 13, 2024, a federal court in Louisiana upheld a challenge to the proposed Title IX rules, putting a temporary hold on the rule in Idaho, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Montana. Read more in this guest post.

AESA Joins School and Library Groups in Amicus Supporting E-Rate   AESA joined 10 other national organizations in an amicus brief, responding to the Molak v FCC case in the fifth circuit in support of the FCC. The Molak case asserts the FCC is overstepping its authority in its recent move to allow E-Rate dollars to…

By Noelle Ellerson Ng Associate Executive Director, Policy & Advocacy, AESA  It has been a busy six weeks on Capitol Hill concerning legislation about student privacy. Before I recap the current situation, let’s rewind for some context.  At the start of 2024, Amelia Vance (Chief Counsel of AASA’s Student and Child Privacy Center) and I…

In addition to submission data, here are key updates about FAFSA. First, here are new resources for students and families:   Student-facing and parent-facing signs (for printing and web) with a QR code that leads directly to the FAFSA form    An editable version of the sign so you can input local information, links, or organizations…

Back to Blog This article is cross-posted from the Public Interest Privacy Center.  The Kids Off Social Media Act (KOSMA), introduced on May 1, is a bipartisan bill that combines Senator Schatz’s Protecting Kids on Social Media Act and Senator Cruz’s Eyes on the Board Act. According to the press release, KOSMA aims to:  “Prohibit…

Back to Blog April was a Federal Regulatory Frenzy!  During seven days in April, three different federal agencies introduced three separate regulations with major implications for ESA and school district leaders. The timing was not a coincidence. The Biden Administration was rushing to get these regulations finalized before the Congressional Review Act deadline. This deadline…

Back to Blog Earlier this week, the Department of Labor issued its final rule altering the overtime regulations under the Fair Labor Standards Act. The rule includes two-tiered increases to the minimum salary threshold and the threshold for highly compensated employees (HCE) and automatic updates to both thresholds.    The minimum salary threshold will be increased to $43,888…

Back to Blog ED and DOL Announce Additional Actions to Support Pathways Into Education This week, the Department of Education (ED) and Department of Labor (DOL) announced actions to further expand access to high-quality and affordable pathways into education professions, including residency, grow your own, and Registered Apprenticeship programs. These actions include new funding and…