Updates
Tax Deduction for Classroom Expenses Now Available to Early Childhood Educators
The President signed the Supporting Early-Childhood Educators’ Deductions (SEED) Act, allowing early childhood and pre-K educators to claim the same $350 federal tax deduction for out-of-pocket classroom expenses as K-12 teachers. This deduction will help offset the hundreds of dollars educators spend out of their own pockets each year on classroom supplies, books, and learning materials.
Read MoreNew GAO Report Details School Facility Needs Nationally
In September, the U.S. Government Accountability Office released a report documenting the real-world consequences of deferred maintenance and aging school facilities, finding that nearly 20 percent of school districts were forced to cancel school during the 2024-25 school year due to facility problems.
Read MoreAdministration Announces New Initiative to Support School Meals
Last week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the Harvest to Hallways Initiative to provide new investments and technical assistance for school meal programs. The announcement is the latest step in a broader federal effort to change federal nutrition programs. USDA is also expected to release new school meal regulations in the coming months.
Read MoreED Proposes Revisions to Grant Regulations
The U.S. Department of Education (ED) issued a notice of proposed rulemaking on August 24th that would make it easier for the agency to terminate or discontinue discretionary grants and further cement administration policies in regulations.
Read MoreUpdate: FY2027 Appropriations Update
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has released a final regulation on public charge that could penalize noncitizens who use income-based public benefit programs such as school meals, SNAP and Medicaid.
Read MoreProtecting E-Rate: AESA Members Invited to AASA Town Hall
The FCC is considering significant changes to E-Rate, the program that helps schools and libraries afford the connectivity they rely on every day.
As AESA’s advocacy partner, AASA is inviting AESA members to join its E-Rate Town Hall for an update on what’s happening and what it could mean for schools, students, and budgets.
Read MoreUSED Releases Guidance on Ed Tech in Schools and Annual Update on FERPA and PPRA
The U.S. Department of Education recently released new guidance on the use of education technology in schools, along with its annual update on FERPA and the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA). The updates address responsible technology use, student privacy, and parental consent requirements.
Read MoreDHS Proposes New H1-B Fee
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a proposed rule to implement a $103,265 fee for H-1B visa petitions. This move comes after a Federal court blocked the original fee that was announced in September 2025.
Read MoreAdministration Announces New Initiative to Support School Meals
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the Harvest to Hallways Initiative to provide new investments and technical assistance for school meal programs. The announcement is the latest step in a broader federal effort to change federal nutrition programs. USDA is also expected to release new school meal regulations in the coming months.
Read MoreED Issues New Discipline Guidance
U.S. Department of Education published a new guidance document for superintendents that lays out the Department’s interpretation of the legal standards governing the consideration of race in school discipline and how districts can ensure compliance with federal law.
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