AGP Executive Report

Higher-Education Research Funding: Japan’s Kyoto University is set to be certified as an International University for Research Excellence, unlocking major government subsidies and a planned shift from small lab units to about 20 field-based units. K-12 Accountability & Disruption: Florida’s Monroe County School District earned an “A” grade for 2025-2026, while England faces school timing chaos after a 1am World Cup match with Mexico, prompting some late openings. AI in Schools: Punjab (India) announced AI curriculum rollout in government schools from next month, and Malaysia’s science ministry flagged talent development and TVET upgrades tied to robotics and AI. School Safety & Access: Kyiv reported 23 education sites damaged in a Russian missile and drone attack, with officials stressing no injuries; California is also seeking grant applications for clean-water education outreach for boaters. Programs, Partnerships & Grants: A dual MBA program is launching in Uttar Pradesh via Lincoln University College (Malaysia), and Oregon Tech won a matching grant to make Fort Astoria’s War of 1812 history accessible through mobile audio storytelling. Local School News: East Liverpool approved multiple staffing changes, and a Durham private school’s shock closure left 281 pupils scrambling for placements.

Higher Education Governance: Turkey’s Istanbul Bilgi University has been ordered closed via a presidential decree, raising fresh alarm about how licensing and quality checks are handled for private universities. Student Support & Funding: New York City’s FY27 budget expands NYC Kids RISE, giving every public school kindergartner a $1,000 college savings account. Early Childhood & Community Services: Rep. Eugene Vindman announced $3.5M for Culpeper Head Start to boost early learning, nutrition, and family support. Teacher & Classroom Grants: Hawai‘i State Federal Credit Union awarded $22,000 to 44 teachers for classroom supplies and learning resources. School District Decisions: Warren County’s school board rejected a meals-tax deal aimed at capital projects, while Louisiana’s St. Landry Parish approved a consolidation plan to close multiple schools amid a budget deficit. Teaching & Learning Capacity: Ibb University trained about 50 faculty members on modern teaching and assessment strategies. Workforce Development: A DETAC webinar will focus on integrating transportation supports into workforce development for people with disabilities. University Leadership: American Samoa Community College named Sonny J. Leomiti interim president.

School Safety & Child Protection: Philippines lawmaker Martin Romualdez proposed new measures after the June 22 San Jose National High School shooting that killed three students and injured 20, with DepEd, CHED, DSWD and health officials discussing immediate and long-term steps. Online Safety & Student Protection: Malaysia’s Dewan Rakyat will question ministers on rules under the Online Safety Act 2025, including school pupil safety and protections against bullying and accidents. Higher Education Affordability: Malawi’s opposition warns a 100% public university tuition hike will price out low-income students, as fees rise for multiple universities starting 2027/28. Local School Funding: Wisconsin’s DPI estimates Rock County districts will see mixed state-aid changes for 2026-27, including Beloit’s expected increase. Leadership & Transitions: Council Bluffs schools named Iowa City’s Chace Ramey as interim superintendent while board meetings cover budgets and staffing. Campus Expansion: Jakarta’s Independent School of Jakarta announced a senior campus opening in 2028 to keep students from early years through A-Levels. Community Support: Iriga City received P5 million from the Dangerous Drugs Board to build its first community-based drug rehab center, with a prevention-and-rehabilitation focus. Student Access & Inclusion: Nigeria’s JAMB Equal Opportunity Group says 4,216 candidates with disabilities gained tertiary admission over 10 years, averaging 53% admission rates. Health & Sports Access: Kinzua Youth Development Center partnered with Warren General Hospital to provide vouchers for youth sports physicals. Food Safety: Cyberabad released June hygiene scores for 39 food businesses, including schools and central kitchens, with ratings from 18% to 94%. School Disruption: Milwaukee Public Schools is planning placements after a fire destroyed Lincoln Avenue School.

School Counseling Workforce: The Philippines’ Civil Service Commission approved qualification standards for new school counselor roles under the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act, aiming to expand student mental health and psychosocial support. STEM Pathways Expansion: Sarasota County Schools is advertising a reimagined 6-8 STEM magnet with a University of South Florida partnership, launching hands-on tracks in AI, cybersecurity, robotics and marine sciences. School Takeover Halt: A federal judge temporarily blocked Memphis-Shelby County’s school takeover board from disrupting district operations, ordering the state and district to maintain the status quo. Federal Loan Forgiveness Rules Struck Down: Two U.S. judges invalidated changes to the Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness program, saying the department overstepped and raised First Amendment concerns. Inclusive Education Focus: A new comparative analysis highlights how U.S. and Brazil differ in implementing inclusive education, stressing that real outcomes depend on institutional support and structure. Rural Connectivity: Papua New Guinea’s Tubusereia Junior High School gained high-speed internet via Starlink, improving access to learning resources and school administration. Military Training in Schools: Russia will more than double basic military training time for grades 6–11, adding drone study and field exercises.

Higher Education Leadership Trust: After Jim Ryan’s June 2025 resignation, campus groups say confidence in University leadership is still shaky, with calls for continued investigation and more transparency. Graduate Affordability: Virginia AG Jay Jones says new federal loan limits for “professional degrees” could squeeze nursing, education and healthcare graduate programs, raising access concerns. State Education Leadership: Oklahoma Education Secretary Dan Hamlin is set to become dean of UT Austin’s College of Education, signaling a policy-to-academia shift. Local School Funding Pressure: Montgomery County, Virginia, will hold a public meeting over a roughly $4M school spending overage, with a repayment framework proposed. Labor and Bargaining: Richmond Public Schools and the teachers union hit an impasse and move to mediation over pay, planning time, special education staffing and benefits. Student Support and Food Security: Tulsa Public Schools resumes summer meals amid worsening food insecurity, while addressing complaints about meal quality. Minority Education Reform: Uttarakhand’s Minority Education Act takes effect, dissolving the Madrasa Education Board and creating a new minority education authority. STEM and Career Pathways: Uhuru Botanicals partners with Aston University Engineering Academy to give T Level students hands-on manufacturing and formulation experience.

School Safety Measures: In the Philippines, Legazpi City donated 56 handheld metal detectors to DepEd schools after the Tacloban shooting, while Cavite police said a planned mass attack at a Grade 10 student was foiled and an improvised firearm was recovered. Accountability and Support: In Tacloban, the family of 15-year-old “hero” Chris Lorenz Fabian welcomed a Senate investigation and renewed calls for justice. AI in Education: A Bulgarian study found nearly 95% of pupils use AI for schoolwork, with uneven access and calls for clear guidelines and data protection. Sustainability in Schools: Darlington’s Reid Street Primary was praised for green initiatives that improve wellbeing, including ventilation and shading. Education Partnerships & Grants: Taylor’s Education Group partnered with Vietnam’s SenTia School, while Madison College in Wisconsin received a workforce training grant to upskill electromechanical technicians. Campus and Community Learning: Ghetto Film School teamed with Mosh Audio to add podcast training to its fellowship curriculum. Policy and Funding Uncertainty: After a Supreme Court decision struck down a college grant program, questions remain about what happens to funds next.

School Safety Push (Philippines): Batangas’ child protection council, led by Gov. Vilma Santos-Recto, met with DepEd and police to strengthen community-based measures against school violence, with a focus on youth aged 14–15. Military Training in Schools (Russia): Russia will expand compulsory “Fundamentals of Safety and Defence” lessons from about one-fifth to half of the course time, adding practical drone operations and field exercises for students as young as 11. Child Protection Court Case (US): A trial date was set for a Brockton man accused of kidnapping and raping a 13-year-old student walking home from school in 2024. School Meals Funding (Zambia/US): Zambia committed K500m per year to its school feeding programme via a MoU with Food 4 Education, while New York reported 396m free meals served statewide under its universal school meals plan. Inclusive Learning Support (UK): Middlesbrough’s Beech Grove Primary received £25,383 to upgrade its autism support base, adding sensory and outdoor learning improvements. AI in Education (China): Chinese schools are increasingly using AI tools to help students check and correct work, alongside broader efforts to build AI literacy.

School Safety Alerts (Philippines): Classes were suspended or shifted to remote/alternative learning at Escalante National High School and Batangas City Integrated High School after viral online shooting threats, with police still checking details and campuses later declared safe. Food & Literacy Support (Philippines): Education Secretary Sonny Angara kicked off DepEd’s Nutrition Month drive with hot meals and early-grade reading activities in Nueva Ecija, linking hunger relief to better foundational literacy. Policy Debate on Cellphones (Philippines): Malacañang questioned Cebu’s “total ban” approach, saying the intent to improve focus is good but the confiscation penalty may be unreasonable and should be workable for schools. School Feeding Partnership (Zambia): Zambia signed a four-year deal with Kenya’s Food4Education to expand school meals from 4.6m to 5.6m learners by end-2026, with support across policy, operations, data, and infrastructure. Higher Education & Research (US): UC Berkeley announced the Nancy Pelosi Institute for Representative Democracy, launching in January with a nonpartisan focus on research, teaching, and civic engagement. Workforce Grants (Wisconsin): Wisconsin’s DWD unveiled a rural healthcare workforce grant program (up to $150m over four years) to help nonprofits and agencies recruit, train, and connect workers.

School Safety & Security: Philippines’ PNP urged schools to coordinate with police before major off-campus events after recent campus tragedies, while Batangas City Integrated High School suspended classes and activities after a reported shooting threat. Policy & Student Wellbeing: England’s school phone ban became legally enforceable today, with Ofsted set to check consistent enforcement; Russia also expanded compulsory “homeland security and defense” training for grades 6–11 to at least 17 hours. Accountability & School Governance: Gauteng Education MEC Lebogang Maile launched a probe into corruption and procurement irregularities across provincial schools; Odisha ordered new School Management Committees from July 1. Learning, Skills & Partnerships: Teesside University won £1.5m for workforce training in AI/digital skills; Penn State renamed Conferences and Institutes to Extended Learning Partnerships; Shrewsbury explored paid internships with Webster University. Community & Access: Cheshire West & Chester libraries launched a free Summer Reading Challenge; Darlington’s uniform exchange says more donations and volunteers are needed. STEM & Environment: Karnataka will roll out STEAM in government schools with robotics and coding; Wales’ Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi won a Climate Challenge Cymru award for river/lake protection ideas.

Heatwave School Closures: Wales schools shut or shift schedules as extreme temperatures make classrooms unsafe, with guidance on water access and relaxed uniforms but decisions left to local risk checks. Family-Led Drug Prevention: Abu Dhabi’s Family Care Authority urged schools and families to coordinate on early intervention and recovery support as part of International Day Against Drug Abuse. School Nutrition Recognition: Polk Elementary’s food service manager won a regional “Manager of the Year” award for student-focused, nutritious meal support. Leadership Training for Educators: University of West Alabama will host FranklinCovey’s team-leadership program for people-centered management skills. Traffic Safety Near Schools: Mobile Police released June enforcement stats, with speeding the top citation driver. Teacher Prep for Literacy: Nicholls State University’s elementary teacher education program earned an “A” from the National Council on Teacher Quality for aligning with the science of reading. Education Safety and Law Enforcement: Philippines police urged schools to coordinate with local law enforcement for major off-campus activities after a fatal Ateneo team event drowning. University Updates: University of Mobile began renovating its J.L. Bedsole Library to expand study space and honors facilities. Scholarships Boost Access: Bulacan distributed education grants to 600 scholars across public and private tracks. Global Entrepreneurship Push: Egypt announced Cairo will host GEF 2026 (Nov 6–8), spotlighting startups and funding links.

School Safety Push (Philippines): The PNP urged schools to coordinate with police and local government before major off-campus activities after deadly incidents involving students, including the Tacloban school shooting where parents are pressing for charges against a second teen suspect. Regional Higher-Education Cooperation (ASEAN): ASEAN ministers adopted plans to boost digital transformation, teacher development, and research collaboration through 2030, with CHED set to elevate the outcomes at the ASEAN Leaders’ Summit. Early Childhood Funding (Fiji): Fiji launched ECE Week and increased 2026-27 early childhood education funding to $34.176 million, stressing the first years as the foundation for lifelong learning. AI and Academic Integrity (US): Brown University professor Roberto Serrano says AI-fueled cheating on a math economics midterm involved at least 50 students, warning academic integrity is at risk. Back-to-School & Literacy (UK/US): Witham’s “Get Witham Reading” campaign promoted literacy at a primary school, while local districts and nonprofits highlighted scholarships, honor rolls, and back-to-school support. Workforce Skills (Policy): US lawmakers backed apprenticeships and work-based learning as a practical alternative pathway to careers, aiming to meet employer needs.

Curriculum & Standards: Texas State Board of Education approved biblical curriculum for 5.5 million public school students, adding grade-by-grade required readings and reshaping social studies. School Safety: Cebu City will seek funding for handheld metal detectors for public schools and add emergency alert buttons and posted hotlines. Violence & Accountability: In Tacloban, Sen. Rodante Marcoleta urged caution before blaming video games for a deadly school shooting, warning against quick judgments without full context. Education Policy Oversight: Bangladesh’s Education Minister called for transparent, waste-free use of education budgets while BUET welcomed first-year students. Digital Health & Learning: Kuwait specialists warned excessive screen time is linked to vision, sleep and behavioral problems, urging parents to use the 20-20-20 rule and promote outdoor activity. Higher Ed & Partnerships: Sharjah Media City (Shams) signed an MoU with the University of Barcelona to expand media, digital innovation and joint training. Grants & Community Support: Sarasota County’s Community Foundation awarded $500,000+ to nonprofits, including early learning and education access. Anti-Corruption Education: Nigeria’s ICPC moved to institutionalize anti-corruption teaching in universities and law schools. Student Wellbeing: University of Dhaka hosted a mental health awareness programme focused on resilience and emotional wellbeing. School Governance: Eau Claire Area School District board election has five candidates vying for three seats.

School Safety Overhaul (Philippines): DepEd launched a nationwide campus security push after the June 22 Tacloban shooting, ordering bag inspections with handheld metal detectors, stricter visitor screening, CCTV installs, and safety audits of exits, fencing, and lighting. Trauma Support (Philippines): DepEd also completed a three-day psychological intervention with health and faith partners, prioritizing students and staff most affected to help prevent long-term mental health impacts. Title IX Funding Threat (US): The U.S. Department of Education warned Jeffco Public Schools it has 10 days to fix alleged Title IX violations tied to its transgender policy or risk losing federal funding. Local Academic Results (US): Greeneville and Greene County schools highlighted strong TCAP performance, citing growth in key grades and crediting staff, students, and families. Workforce Partnerships (US): Ohio awarded $5.07M across 22 Industry Sector Partnership grants to link employers, schools, and training providers for in-demand careers. Student Access to Learning (US): Lakeshore Learning donated and installed new learning spaces at three Utah schools, including entry, library, and teacher lounge areas. Higher Ed & Speech (US): An Indiana University doctoral student sued over alleged retaliation after pro-Palestine advocacy, seeking an injunction and damages.

School Safety Overhaul (Philippines): DepEd launched a nationwide School Safety Campaign after the Tacloban City shooting, adding metal detectors, bag checks, CCTV, stricter visitor rules, and safety audits of exits, fencing, and lighting. Campus Security & Accountability (Philippines): DepEd also said it will closely monitor divisions to ensure uniform rollout following the June 22 deaths of three students. Tech & Policy Scrutiny (Philippines): GoreBox game developer F2 Games said a Senate hearing it skipped is separate from Philippine authorities’ investigation into alleged influence in the Tacloban shooting. Higher Ed Land Dispute (Philippines): DENR ruled Xavier University can develop its 64-hectare Upper Carmen property, rejecting a bid to revert it to the national government over claims it shifted from education to commercial use. Teacher Training & Reading Prep (US): Southwest Minnesota State University’s elementary education program earned an A+ from NCTQ for evidence-based reading instruction preparation. Teacher Support Under Pressure (US): Michigan’s School Success Partnership, credited with improving attendance and grades, faces major funding cuts that could disrupt the model. Teacher/Student Safety in Practice (US): South Carolina State University held a law enforcement summit to strengthen campus safety coordination ahead of fall. Recognition & Community Programs (US): Alta Vista Elementary was named a 2026 National Gold Star School, while Jefferson City Schools ran a Summer Jump Start program for PreK and kindergarten readiness.

School Safety Push (Philippines): After a Tacloban City high school shooting killed three students, the Philippine National Police said it will back DepEd’s nationwide school safety drive with security assessments, more police visibility, and threat monitoring. Accountability Debate (Philippines): Bacolod Rep. Alfredo Benitez announced a House resolution calling for an inquiry into whether current laws and safeguards are strong enough after multiple student tragedies. Heatwave Disruption (UK): Extreme heat warnings kept many schools closed or partially closed across the UK, with classrooms reported above 35°C and closures extending into Friday. Inclusion Spotlight (UK): Poole’s Heatherlands Primary was named a co-lead for DfE inclusion bases, praised for its SEND support and inclusive culture. Funding for Skills (US): Massachusetts’ Gould Construction Institute won a $225,000 Cummings Foundation grant to build high school-to-career pathways in skilled trades. Global Education Recognition (Turkey): Two Turkish schools reached the World’s Best School Prizes top-10 finalists, including a scholarship boarding school and an energy-focused vocational school. Services Data (India): MoSPI plans to release India’s first monthly Index of Services Production on July 14, aiming to track short-term services output. Student Support (Philippines): CitySavings mobilized nearly 500 volunteers to upgrade and support 240 public schools for the start of classes.

School Safety Push (Philippines): Education Secretary Sonny Angara launched a nationwide, multi-agency effort with PNP, NBI and cyber authorities after the Tacloban City shooting, focusing on faster threat response and stronger physical and digital security. School Choice & Vouchers (Philippines): A bicam committee approved a reconciled Private Basic Education Voucher Program bill, moving the government closer to expanding access through private school options. Parenting & Prevention (Philippines): After the Tacloban attack, DSWD said it will intensify parenting effectiveness sessions as a preventive step, while juvenile offenders are placed under youth rehabilitation for assessment. School Meals Accountability (Bangladesh): The education minister said the mid-day meal program will roll out nationwide from July, warning officials of dismissal and legal action if spoiled food is served. Library Funding (Illinois, US): Illinois announced $27M+ in grants for libraries and $1.3M+ for public school libraries, supporting books, tech, literacy and security. Substitute Staffing Partnership (Oregon, US): Salem-Keizer Public Schools partnered with Edustaff to improve substitute recruitment and reduce unfilled absences. Equity Review (US): Monomoy Regional Schools completed an equity audit and outlined next steps to strengthen support for all learners. Tech in Schools (US): Santa Barbara Unified delayed a “tech with intent” screen-time resolution after parents pushed for limits on iPad use. Academic Integrity (US): Florida AG James Uthmeier announced an arrest tied to a proxy cheating scheme for teacher certification exams. School Access During Heat (UK): Essex listed dozens of school closures or early shutdowns due to extreme temperatures, with remote learning where possible.