While educators are enthusiastic about increasing teacher pay, many worry about controversial changes to Iowa’s area education agencies under same bill.

The state education department counted 1,800 fewer students in schools this year, with the sharpest declines affecting the youngest grades. The enrollment dips have serious consequences for every facet of school — from funding to staffing.

The new schools will partner with healthcare systems as students work on training, certification and experience.

Millions of students will have an extra long Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend, with schools closed Tuesday in Washington, D.C., Chicago, Atlanta, Denver and other major cities, citing cold and snow.

Dozens of school districts sued the Texas Education Agency last fall, claiming revisions to the state’s accountability system would hurt them.

The year is expected to bring fresh conversations on how artificial intelligence (AI) use in the classroom should be legislated, as well as debate on matters such as school choice and how to teach subjects including reading.

Superintendent Elizabeth Grant said change is hard—even good change. But she added that change is necessary as districts across the state and country continue to lose students.

Myriam Rogers’ first budget request as superintendent comes as Maryland prepares for a slowing economy and federal coronavirus pandemic funding is set to expire this year.