California K-12 schools brace for another year of uncertainty: 2025 in review

LAST YEAR WAS TUMULTUOUS for California K-12 schools and their 5.8 million students — at least at the federal level. President Donald Trump slashed funding to schools, set about dismantling the U.S. Department of Education and launched an immigration crackdown that left countless families afraid to send their children to school.

The state pushed back against these moves, successfully fighting the funding cuts in court. But the uncertainty continues as the White House seeks ways to reshape public K-12 education. After-school programs, teacher training and Head Start are among the programs that remain at risk of funding cuts. Congress cut extra funding to rural schools last year, but advocates are hopeful it will return in 2026.