GIA Education Report: 7/9/24

Welcome to the GIA Education Report. With the latest in Southern California education news, I’m Alyssa Silva. 

The U.S. Department of Education can proceed with its plan to lower monthly student loan payments after a federal appeals court ruling. The 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals approved reducing payments from 10% to 5% of discretionary income for some borrowers. Despite recent blocks by federal judges in Kansas and Missouri, this decision allows the reduced payment rules to be implemented while appeals continue. U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona emphasized the administration’s commitment to making college more affordable and fixing the student loan system. 

In other news, California State University Chancellor Mildred García expressed gratitude for increased state funding despite a severe budget deficit but warned of a $200 million funding gap for 2024-25. The CSU will receive $165 million in new operating budget funds, a 5% increase due to a compact agreement. However, a one-time $75 million reduction adds to fiscal challenges. Future budgets indicate potential further cuts, complicating cost-saving measures and university operations. 

Mt. San Jacinto College (MSJC) is expanding its Nursing program to address California’s nurse shortage. Authorized by the California Board of Nursing, MSJC will increase annual enrollment from 48 to 72 students starting spring 2025. This follows a rigorous review that highlighted the program’s quality and the urgent need for nurses. 

In a move to enhance educational continuity, starting March next year, California school districts will be required to post emergency instructional plans online. Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed the education trailer bill as part of the 2024-25 budget, mandating these plans be operative by July 2025. Districts must contact students and families within five days of an emergency and provide instruction within ten days. Failure to comply will result in loss of state attendance funding. Additionally, the bill addresses chronic absenteeism by allowing districts to offer attendance recovery programs during breaks or after school, enabling them to reclaim lost state funds.  

Cal State San Bernardino has earned a 4.5-star rating in Money magazine’s 2024 list of Best Colleges. The university was recognized for its affordability, quality of education, and student outcomes. Money magazine evaluated 745 colleges based on economic mobility and graduates’ earnings.  

Students from Fontana’s A.B. Miller High School excelled at the 2024 San Bernardino County Fair Youth Arts Competition, earning five top honors, including two Best of Show awards. Evalena Carbajal and April Garcia secured Best of Show in poetry and Día De Los Muertos, respectively. Miller students also swept the top three poetry awards, with Jasmine Mojica and Bella Rojas taking second and third. These achievements stemmed from projects in Dr. Sybil Acevedo’s Spanish class, who submits their work each year. 

And that’s this week’s GIA Education Report, I’m Alyssa Silva.