Chalkbeat

• Philadelphia has universal free school meals, but many students who could benefit still don’t participate February 25, 2026
  Sign up for Chalkbeat Philadelphia’s free newsletter to keep up with the city’s public school system.The research is clear: Universal free school meal programs help more families access food. They also may be beneficial for student learning and health outcomes.But many Philly students who could benefit from the meals still opt out, according to a […]
  Rebecca Redelmeier
• Memphis board votes to close five schools at the end of school year February 25, 2026
  Sign up for Chalkbeat Tennessee’s free newsletter to keep up with statewide education policy and Memphis-Shelby County Schools.Five Memphis-Shelby County schools will close at the end of this school year, forcing more than 1,200 students to attend new schools starting in August. Memphis board members unanimously voted Tuesday to shut down Georgian Hills Elementary, Lucy […]
  Bri Hatch
• State lawmakers reject attempt to change how school board members are elected February 25, 2026
  Sign up for Chalkbeat Colorado’s free daily newsletter to get the latest reporting from us, plus curated news from other Colorado outlets, delivered to your inbox.Most Colorado school board members are elected by voters across the entire school district. So voters who live in the south part of a district often get to decide who […]
  Melanie Asmar
• Racist comment at NYC parent meeting ignites fury as Black leaders call for accountability February 25, 2026
  Sign up for Chalkbeat New York’s free daily newsletter to get essential news about NYC’s public schools delivered to your inbox.After an Upper West Side parent’s racist comments were caught on a hot mic at a public meeting, Black parent leaders and elected officials say they want to see accountability for her actions and a […]
  Alex Zimmerman
• Empty desks, unplowed paths: Nearly 40% of NYC students absent from school after record snow February 25, 2026
  Sign up for Chalkbeat New York’s free daily newsletter to get essential news about NYC’s public schools delivered to your inbox.Large numbers of students and staff missing class, widespread transit delays, unplowed sidewalks: This is what it looked like on Tuesday when New York City public schools reopened for in-person learning after more than two […]
  Lizzie Walsh