Matt Zalaznick

Matt Zalaznick is the managing editor of District Administration and a life-long journalist. Prior to writing for District Administration he worked in daily news all over the country, from the NYC suburbs to the Rocky Mountains, Silicon Valley and the U.S. Virgin Islands. He's also in a band.

Many sitting superintendents are now on the move

Kristy Somerville-Midgette takes the helm at Lynchburg City Schools; Justin Irish is moving to the Northshore School District; and the St. Johns County School District choses Brennan Asplen its next superintendent

How Toyua Watson-Bacchus offers internships in her rural district

This superintendent and her team are committed to providing all of the Concordia Parish School Board's students with work-based learning opportunities.

More and more states hang up on K12 cellphones

A wave of governors and legislatures—regardless of political leanings—are barring the devices throughout the school day as some districts have also taken action to eliminate technological distractions.

Trump’s dismantling of Education Department gives states ‘green light’ to pursue voucher programs

A growing number of red states have expanded their school voucher programs in recent years, a trend that is likely to only spike further amid a push led by President Donald Trump’s administration to return education “back to the states.”

Promotions highlight the latest week of superintendent hires

Several school boards looked within for their new superintendents, including a few that hired graduates of their schools.

New statewide cellphone bans ahead for next school year

New York, the largest state to pass a ban, is providing $13.5 million in funding for cellphone storage and require districts to ensure parents can contact their children during the school day. 

Veterans and first-timers take the helm in new districts

Superintendents on the move include veterans and first-time leaders in several states, including South Dakota, Ohio and Delaware.

Schools suddenly lose $1 billion for mental health care

DEI appears to be the reason the Trump administration is slashing $1 billion in school mental health grants created after the Uvalde mass shooting, according to multiple reports.

Chicago Public Schools’ ‘Black Student Success Plan’ is under investigation

Education Department launches an investigation into an allegation that Chicago Public Schools' remedial program discriminates against students of other races. 

How to create a (very popular) extra school day

Traffic in front of a school is a "great problem to have"—especially on a Saturday, says Superintendent Tahira Dupree Chase of New York's Westbury Union Free School District.

What will happen to districts that defy Trump’s DEI order?

A growing number of states say they are removing DEI from their schools even as some leaders refuse to comply.

New Education Department appointees show where agency is headed

The picks for key Department of Education roles reveal the agency's K12 priorities even as the Trump administration works to close it down.

See which superintendents are on the move right now

Longtime superintendents such as Gillian Chapman, Alex Cherniss and Glenn Barnes have found new homes during a busy hiring season from coast to coast.

Superintendent Paula Knight: How to take risks on behalf of students

Superintendent Paula Knight was way ahead of the curve on a big issue: Cell phones in schools.

Maine at risk of losing its federal K12 funding

U.S. Department of Education is on the verge of defunding Maine's schools over what the agency says are Title IX violations involving transgender athletes.