Updates
Administration 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.
Read MoreHelp Protect E-Rate: Tell the FCC What E-Rate Means to Your Schools
The FCC is considering significant changes to E-Rate. Explore AESA and AASA resources, use the comment template, and submit your comments by October 13, 2026.
Read MoreJoin AESA for a Federal Advocacy Update
Stay informed on the latest federal education policy and advocacy issues. Join AESA’s Federal Advocacy Update Webinar on August 19, 2026.
Read MoreNEW: CISA Releases New Cybersecurity Resources for K12 Schools and Districts
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) released new cybersecurity resources to help schools strengthen their defenses.
Read MoreHHS Releases Proposed Rule to Rewrite Head Start Standards
On August 8, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released a proposed rule that amends the Head Start Program Performance Standards to streamline the program, provide greater flexibility and allow for more state and local control. The proposed rule represents the most substantial set of regulatory changes to the program’s governing rules since its inception 61 years ago.
Read MoreAESA Member Resource Expands Nationwide to Help Protect E-Rate
A resource developed by AESA member Allegheny Intermediate Unit (AIU) to demonstrate the local impact of E-Rate funding has gone national! As the FCC considers changes that could significantly affect the future of E-Rate, this timely tool gives education leaders access to district- and county-specific funding data to help make the case for protecting this critical program. Learn more, explore the resource, and see how you can help keep schools connected.
Read MoreSenate Commerce Committee Advances Kids’ Online Safety Legislation
The Senate Commerce Committee recently considered a package of bipartisan bills focused on protecting children’s privacy and safety online, including legislation addressing social media platforms, artificial intelligence, AI chatbots, and AI-enabled toys.
Read MoreSenate HELP Committee Advances K-12 Education Bills
On July 30, the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee held its first significant markup of K-12 education legislation this Congress. AESA has been closely following these proposals and shares the positions outlined below on the bills and amendments considered by the committee.
Read MoreAESA Co-signs Letter to Treasury on FSTC Program Implementation
AESA joined a coalition of national public education organizations in submitting recommendations to the U.S. Department of Treasury as it develops proposed regulations and guidance for the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit (FSTC) program.
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