Many districts in the Puget Sound region continue to record student numbers that are well below the enrollment they enjoyed before the pandemic, which has resulted in dire financial binds.

"I wish I could tell you it involved spoons under pillows or ice cubes in the toilet," said Jason Mellema, superintendent of the Ingham Intermediate School District, referencing the ways children try to manifest a snow day the night before school.

The state education department counted 1,800 fewer students in schools this year, with the sharpest declines affecting the youngest grades. The enrollment dips have serious consequences for every facet of school — from funding to staffing.

While educators are enthusiastic about increasing teacher pay, many worry about controversial changes to Iowa's area education agencies under same bill.

The new schools will partner with healthcare systems as students work on training, certification and experience.

Dozens of school districts sued the Texas Education Agency last fall, claiming revisions to the state's accountability system would hurt them.

Millions of students will have an extra long Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend, with schools closed Tuesday in Washington, D.C., Chicago, Atlanta, Denver and other major cities, citing cold and snow.

The year is expected to bring fresh conversations on how artificial intelligence (AI) use in the classroom should be legislated, as well as debate on matters such as school choice and how to teach subjects including reading.