June 3, 2025

In the May 2025 issue, we examine the growing legislative momentum around the “Success Sequence”—the idea that completing education, securing employment, and then starting a family in that order increases economic stability. As several states consider integrating this concept into K–12 instruction, ESAs must weigh its policy implications, public response, and alignment with local priorities. You’ll also find key updates on state education budgets, policy developments, and advocacy opportunities relevant to your agency’s mission and strategic planning.

As several respected ESA leaders retire, we have a special opportunity to honor their lasting impact. A tribute gift to the AESA Foundation celebrates their service while supporting leadership, innovation, and equity in education.

Mail-in donations can be sent to the following:

AESA Foundation
c/o Donations
PO Box 404
Cheshire, CT 06410

The Supreme Court released their 4-4 decision in Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board v. Drummond St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School v. Drummond, upholding the lower court’s ruling in Oklahoma to ensure public schools under state law remain non-sectarian. AESA supported an amicus brief detailing the consequences of the Supreme Court allowing our nation to create a first of its kind religious charter school. The fight to dismantle the separation of church and state is just beginning. AESA and our advocacy team will continue our work to ensure taxpayer dollars are not used to fund private religious schools.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a consular cable to U.S. embassies and consulates regarding F and J visa appointments. According to news coverage, “the memo instructs consular posts to pause processing of J visa applications while the Department develops procedures to expand social media screening.” While the intent appeared to focus on international students, the guidance was broadly worded and is currently being interpreted by posts as applying to all J categories—including teacher, camp counselor, au pair, and summer work travel programs. Read more here.

The U.S. Department of Education (ED) published a set of competitive grant priorities that the agency says it intends to apply to all discretionary grants moving forward. Grant competitions will incorporate three new priorities: “evidence-based literacy,” “school choice,” and “returning education to the States.”

A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction on Thursday ordering the U.S. Department of Education (ED) to reinstate employees who were terminated under the March 11th reduction in force (RIF). The order also prohibits the administration from implementing the March 20th Executive Order to dismantle ED. Read more here.

NPR Piece on Voucher Provision in Reconciliation Bill. The proposal would use the federal tax code to offer vouchers that students could use to attend private secular or religious schools, even in states where voters have opposed such efforts. NPR interviewed researchers, advocates (for and against), tax experts, a mother who relies on vouchers and a public school leader who feels threatened by them – a dozen sources in all.

This Chalkbeat article explores the various considerations at play when a state (Illinois, led by former Consortium member Tony Sanders) explores changes to its state assessment cut scores.

This local news story from Arizona includes several examples of controversial uses of the state’s ESA funds, and it details some of the politics surrounding state regulation and oversight of these programs.

Congratulations to Dr. Jonah M. Schenker, District Superintendent of Ulster BOCES, on being named one of Tech & Learning’s “Most Influential in Ed Tech for 2025” in the Grassroots Leader & Researcher category!

Dr. Schenker is being nationally recognized for his visionary work at the intersection of technology, equity, and student-centered learning—work that’s transforming the educational landscape in the Hudson Valley and beyond.

🔗 Read the full article here (pg. 10).

ESA Podcast of the Week:
Check out the podcast: Leading for Deeper Learning with Ulster BOCES. In each episode, Dr. Schenker explores bold ideas and innovative leadership with guests who are driving transformation in education.

📢 Listen here: Leading for Deeper Learning

Ulster BOCES continues to demonstrate what’s possible when leaders center students, equity, and innovation.

Have we missed one of your ESA’s stories? Send submissions to csowder@aesa.us to be included in future editions of Online News. 

If you work in an ESA communications department, this article may be an especially timely and valuable read. As cyber threats continue to rise across the education sector, effective communication has become just as critical as strong cybersecurity tools. The article, How Schools Can Use Strategic Communication to Tackle Rising Cyber Threats, explores how school systems can build trust, respond quickly to incidents, and proactively engage stakeholders—all through strategic communication planning.