The pandemic changed families’ lives and the culture of education: “Our relationship with school became optional.”

Most of the misconduct involves lower-level disturbances that educators and advocates say show that many students are still having a hard time emotionally after the stress of the pandemic.

At Maysville High School in Maysville, Mo., population 1,100, classes can be a little tough for the squeamish. Course work can involve assigned reading and algebra, but also a serious amount of blood and guts.

Gov. Kathy Hochul’s proposed budget would slash state aid for about half of all school districts in New York, but small, rural districts could bear the biggest burden.

In some districts, teachers are taking more sick days since the pandemic. A shortage of substitutes can make matters worse.

Sarah Hernandez said her school board colleagues discriminated against her by failing to accommodate her disability. She hopes her victory, despite the small payout, leads to change.

Last year, New Jersey, the first state to mandate climate change lessons, introduced them in its public schools. Several similar bills are being considered in New York, one of which proposes to teach climate change across all grades and subjects.

Under recent rules, some students can’t take a vision test or get a Band-Aid without permission slips. And it’s up to schools to hunt them down.