AGP Executive Report

Higher Education Leadership: Vermont Law and Graduate School named Melissa Hoffer as its next president, starting Dec. 1, 2026, as the school looks to deepen its environmental-law and public-interest mission. Early Childhood Workforce: Singapore plans to hire 1,800 more infant care educators by 2030 and expand government-supported preschools, boosting training support under an expanded Manpower Hiring Grant. AI in Education: Malaysia urged a human-centered approach as it accelerates AI adoption, especially in education and healthcare, citing China’s government-industry-university coordination. Digital Skills Partnerships: Adobe signed MoUs with multiple Indian state governments to give government schools free Adobe Express for Education and AI-skilling via the Adobe Digital Academy. School Safety & Operations: The Philippines’ DILG is considering quick reaction teams for school emergencies after recent threat incidents, while Iloilo City distributed metal detectors to schools in Jaro. Access to Learning Tools: Malabon City distributed 3,000 laptops to public school teachers to support instruction and digital resources. Funding & Scholarships: Calexico Education Foundation awarded 50 scholarships worth $500 each, matched by the Mexican Consulate, and Meghalaya released ₹93.7 crore for ST students’ scholarships via direct benefit transfer. Policy & System Changes: California lawmakers advanced bills that could expand community colleges’ ability to offer bachelor’s degrees, and Tucson Unified is targeting 6–10 schools for possible phased consolidation or closure. Campus Incidents: A 17-year-old student was found dead at the University of Makati campus; authorities are investigating the cause.

School Safety Policy: Philippines medical group urged DepEd to pilot active-attack drills first, warning drills must be age-appropriate and psychologically safe, as lawmakers push a Comprehensive School Safety Act. Higher Education Funding: Philippines Sen. Loren Legarda welcomed DBM’s ₱9.75B release to cover Free Higher Education shortfalls for 108 state universities and colleges. School Closures From Air Quality: Malaysia’s Sarawak ordered closures of 30 schools in Lubok Antu due to haze, citing unhealthy air readings and health guidance. Student Support & Access: Evansville Promise Neighborhood will start a monthly lottery for students with perfect attendance, awarding $300 toward household needs. Health & PE Curriculum: Manitoba renewed K-12 health and physical education, requiring in-person PE from kindergarten through grade 12 and adding new lessons on social media, AI, sleep, and mental health. Ed Tech & AI Debate: NYC parents and educators pressed for an AI moratorium in classrooms at a pre-school-year panel, citing research gaps and data-center sustainability concerns. Local School Operations: New Haven Public Schools will temporarily move four early elementary classes after a sprinkler flood damaged Lincoln-Bassett’s library and STEM lab. Teacher/School Recognition: Fayetteville State University opened a new $69.3M College of Education building to expand educator-prep capacity.

School Safety in the Philippines: Philippine National Police recorded at least 16 online threats targeting schools in Eastern Visayas since the June 22 San Jose National High School shooting, with many leading to class suspensions while cases are investigated. Local Security Response: In Bacolod, Bacolod City College moved to online classes after a threatening note was found in a comfort room, prompting police deployment and a campus probe. Teacher Support in Qatar: Qatar’s Ministry of Education and Higher Education honored the fourth cohort of its “Successful Start” program, which mentors newly appointed government teachers through their first year. Health & Learning Disruption in India: West Bengal’s UDISE+ data highlights extreme school staffing without students, with thousands of “zero-enrolment” schools and large teacher postings raising concerns about wasted resources. Funding for Food in California: California released draft guidelines for a $40 million expansion of its Farm to School Incubator Grant Program, with public comments open through Sept. 11. Sex Education Debate in Liberia: A coalition urged Liberia to protect Comprehensive Sexuality Education from misinformation, arguing it’s key to reducing teen pregnancy and sexual violence. Animal Testing Alternatives (UK): The UK announced £22 million to accelerate human-based testing models, including miniature organ growth and lab-grown tissue projects. Education Reform Push (Karnataka): Karnataka formed a cabinet sub-committee to hear student concerns and recommend education reforms.

Higher Education Reform: Malaysia’s higher education minister says the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (AUKU) needs a full legal review to protect academic freedom, expression, and student empowerment. Emergency-Workforce Training: Florida Gov. DeSantis rolls out the Coalition for Operational Readiness in Education (CORE) at Florida International University, linking colleges and training partners to emergency management careers. School Safety Funding: Pennsylvania lawmakers announce new grants for school security upgrades and mental health supports across multiple districts and career/technical institutes. Tech in Schools: OpenAI expands “ChatGPT for Teachers” partnerships, with Northside ISD in Texas confirming use for educator support. Child-Safety on Social Media: A multistate settlement requires Meta to pay $17.1B and implement major child-safety changes on Facebook and Instagram, with states including Kentucky and Indiana receiving large shares. Student Support & Health: Memphis-Shelby County Schools offers free lunches at closed schools, while Qatar’s PHCC launches a back-to-school health campaign focused on sleep, nutrition, screen limits, and weekly habit tracking. Learning Equity & Literacy: Connecticut wins a $10M federal grant to expand small-group K-3 reading interventions, aiming to speed teacher training and improve early literacy outcomes. Campus Access Changes: UMass Amherst pilots a pedestrian-only core campus zone starting Sept. 1 to improve safety for walkers and riders.

Driver’s Ed Expansion (Ohio): Ohio expects nearly 30,000 more young drivers to take driver’s education after a 2025 law requiring under-21s to complete training before licensing. Classroom Support Funding (North Carolina): Exponential Scholars says it will fund every open DonorsChoose classroom project in the state, backing 3,200+ projects across 1,000+ schools with a $2.25M donation. Higher Education Governance (Papua New Guinea): Papua New Guinea’s parliament unanimously passed the Pacific Adventist University Bill 2026, modernizing governance and accountability for the university. AI in Education (Qatar): Qatar’s education ministry meeting stressed keeping students “people first” while using technology and AI to empower learners and teachers. School Safety & Health (New Zealand): New Zealand schools faced emergency responses after “potentially volatile chemicals” were found and disposed of with controlled explosions. Research Partnerships (India): IIM Udaipur signed an MoU with India’s Solar Energy Corporation to expand renewable-energy research, executive education, and industry-linked projects. Teacher Quality Concerns (Israel): A new study reports Israeli teachers rank near the bottom among developed countries on core skills and warns about recruiting top graduates into teaching.

School Safety & Security: The Philippines’ DepEd rolled out a hybrid campus security and mobile patrol plan for public schools, using guard assignments based on campus size and needs, with support from local government units, the PNP, barangay watchmen, and PTA volunteers. Air Quality Health Rules: Malaysia’s Penang education authorities told schools to halt outdoor activities when the Air Pollutant Index tops 100, close immediately above 200, and keep staff home above 500, alongside hydration and mask guidance. Early Childhood Funding: Olathe Public Schools will receive a $1.9M annual Head Start grant to continue free early education, health, and family support for low-income children. AI in Classrooms: A new report-style piece warns that rapid AI adoption in schools may worsen math readiness gaps, urging parents and educators to treat AI use carefully. Higher Ed Policy: Universities Australia warned that political moves to cut international student numbers could trigger major ripple effects for universities and broader sectors. Student Support & Community: Tacoma’s Kids Health & Safety Fair returns with free supplies, screenings, and STEM activities ahead of the school year. Campus & Learning Continuity: Warren County Public Schools in Virginia is relocating students after an elementary school closure tied to structural concerns, aiming to reopen displaced students soon.

School Safety in the Philippines: Philippines’ DepEd unveiled a hybrid school security model that pairs security guards with village watchmen, police patrols, and upgraded surveillance, after data showed guards exist in only 3 of 10 schools; the plan prioritizes larger campuses and assigns one guard for schools under 1,000 learners. Flood Disruption to School Transport (India): Gurugram’s heavy rain left multiple school buses stuck at Subhash Chowk, stranding children for hours and highlighting drainage strain in a city known for premium development. Back-to-School Outcomes (US): Mesa Public Schools reported modest but steady proficiency gains in math and English, with overall ELA passing at 38.7% and math at 30.2% for 2025-26. Higher Ed Partnerships & Training: Utah State University, Hi Tech Solutions and Brigham City advanced a plan for a nuclear training and research campus to build advanced nuclear workforce pathways. Early Education Focus (Qatar): Qatar’s Ministry of Education and Higher Education held KG1 orientation for three-year-olds, expanding the Sunrise Programme to 22 kindergartens and stressing stronger family-kindergarten partnership. Campus Access & Services (US): University of Utah will close its Sandy satellite campus at end of 2026 under a state mandate to redirect about $20m toward student and workforce demand. Student Protection & Mental Wellness (Philippines): Baguio Mayor Magalong backed school safety and mental wellness efforts, including training on de-escalation and recognizing aggressive behavior. Religious Dress Ruling (India): Allahabad High Court rejected a student’s plea to wear a hijab with school uniform, saying dress codes can’t be altered under a nondiscriminatory policy. Funding for College Access (US): EducationQuest awarded $187,500 in grants to 24 Nebraska high schools to expand college access programs. AI & Disaster Readiness (Philippines): DBM released P1 billion to the University of the Philippines for Project Noah, an AI flood forecasting and hazard monitoring system ahead of Typhoon Obet. Security Crackdown (South Africa): Gauteng Education reported 109 prohibited items seized in unannounced searches at three Alexandra high schools, targeting weapons, drugs and gangsterism. Deepfake Case (Australia): A Brisbane trial began for a man accused of creating AI deepfake nude images of schoolgirls, with prosecutors alleging stalking and distribution of intimate images.

School Safety & Drills: The Philippine Pediatric Society says active-attack and lockdown drills have “limited” or mixed support and urges DepEd to use a nonsimulated Aug. 25 schedule while reviewing active-attack protocols. Disaster Recovery: DepEd in the Philippines estimates P2.604 billion for rebuilding and repairs after monsoon damage, affecting thousands of learners and hundreds of schools. AI in Education: Israel’s Education Ministry says Program 720 will use major tech partners (Microsoft, Google, Amazon) under strict security and privacy rules, aiming for personalized learning within the national curriculum. Teacher Shortage: Israel’s teachers’ union warns of a near-5,000 teacher shortfall and calls for making schools a place people want to work. School Meals & Nutrition: Tyson Foods pledges $1M over two years to expand healthy school meals and nutrition education via Harvest to Hallways. Broadband Access: The FCC’s review could reshape the E-Rate school internet discount program, with advocates planning a major protest. Policy Fight (California): California lawmakers debate ACA 7, which critics say could reopen race-based preferences in K-12. Community Support: Kuwait’s Gulf Bank launches a back-to-school and university campaign with school visits and financial literacy support for students. Local Grants: West Virginia Gov. Morrisey announces $659,570 in juvenile justice Title II grant awards for mentoring, counseling, and educational resources.

School Safety Policy Shift (Philippines): The Philippine Department of Education rescheduled its nationwide active-attack drill to early September due to bad weather, stressing age-appropriate, trauma-informed preparedness and avoiding hyper-realistic simulations. Threats Prompt Local Closures (Philippines): Multiple schools in Leyte and Bukidnon suspended classes after viral online shooting threats, with police tightening security and urging families not to amplify unverified posts. Workplace Safety Starts in School (Malaysia): Malaysia’s labour department says safety education should begin in school, using its MADANI School Adoption Programme to upgrade facilities and teach students practical safety habits. Food Insecurity Hits Back-to-School (Canada): Ottawa’s breakfast network is adding 15 programs in September to serve 1,300 more students as food insecurity rises. AI in Schools (India): A national survey finds only 13% of Indian schools report advanced, system-wide AI integration, with most teachers calling for clearer AI-use rules and training. Higher Ed Access (U.S.): The University of Arizona will open a tribal-nation medical school campus in the Gila River Indian Community, admitting 10 students per year and aiming to expand local physician supply. Grants for Support Services (U.S.): Virginia’s veterans agency is seeking $4M in grants for suicide prevention and opioid addiction services. Zambia Education Retention Win: Education Above All reports its EVE project in Namwala District exceeded targets, reaching 10,193 learners and re-enrolling 1,780 out-of-school children.

Budget Pressure & Priorities: CNMI gubernatorial bets say they’ll protect education, health care, public safety and retirees while cutting spending and shifting workers to private-sector jobs. School Infrastructure Overhaul: Jordan’s Ministry of Education says it phased out 170 rented schools (down to 606) and opened 86 new schools, alongside major maintenance and five new technical schools. Public Health Closures: Guam’s Tiyan and Simon Sanchez high schools closed for seven days after inspections flagged sanitation issues, with meal and homework pickup plans in place. Learning Access in Crisis: Zambia’s EAA Foundation reports its 3-year EVE project reached 10,193 vulnerable children across 37 schools, re-enrolling 1,780 out-of-school learners and running SAFE Clubs. Safety & Security: University of Illinois police arrested a teen after armed threats; Sweden’s Brinell High School faced a sword attack with a teen charged. Community Support: US districts and groups backed back-to-school needs—from playground upgrades in Long Beach to free haircuts and school supplies in Hampton.

School Safety & Violence Prevention: Penang, Malaysia moved to protect a Year Six pupil after a teacher allegedly humiliated, assaulted and threatened him; the teacher was barred from direct contact and the child referred for counselling. Gun Access Warnings: Philippines Senator Erwin Tulfo urged parents to talk more with children and not rely on tech after a Grade 9 student’s bag reportedly contained a gun. Emergency Preparedness: Police in Western Visayas and Mimaropa stepped up school drills, running simulations for active-shooter, knife, hostage and bomb scenarios. School Operations Under Risk: Sarawak said schools will reopen as usual based on air-quality readings, with closures and staff attendance rules tied to API levels. Education Expansion: Qatar approved opening six new government schools and appointing/transferring 34 principals for 2026-27. AI in Learning: A new education company, Hedgehog Education, says it’s partnering with schools to curb students offloading homework to generative AI. Higher-Ed Partnerships: University of London is exploring a Hyderabad campus as Telangana seeks to build an education and research hub. Community Support: Mississippi Valley State University reopened a student Free Store to help scholars with basic supplies. Back-to-School Environment: Sarawak and other regions also issued guidance on safety and student well-being as the new term begins.

School Safety & Security: Sweden’s Brinell High School in Fagersta reopened, then a sword attack killed a 17-year-old girl and injured three others; police arrested an 18-year-old suspect, described as a former student, and leaders visited a memorial. Campus Policy & Rights: Texas A&M University System Board of Regents faces a lawsuit over its Civil Rights Protection and Compliance Policy, with claims it led to course changes and cancellations. Back-to-School Logistics: San Diego and other districts are rolling out lower school-zone speed limits to protect students; Texas A&M Transportation Services also reduced on-campus speeds for fall 2026. Admissions Pathways: Delhi University opened a direct PhD route for the first FYUP batch (2026-27), letting eligible students apply without a master’s degree. Ed-Tech & Online Risks: A Philippines Roblox developers group opposed a total platform ban after threats linked to online activity; in Kyrgyzstan, Peace Corps volunteers will work in higher education institutions for the first time. Funding & Inclusion: Vallejo received a $100,000 grant to remove illegally dumped tires, prioritizing areas near schools; Namibia’s Students with Disabilities Grant has supported 689 students so far.

School Safety & Violence Response (Philippines): Educators criticized the Marcos government’s police-heavy approach after a second deadly campus shooting, urging deeper root-cause work and proposing an independent commission of educators and social scientists. Digital Safety (Philippines): PLDT/Smart said it will block more than 100 websites streaming school-shooting footage to prevent glorification of extreme violence. Campus Improvements (US): Westmorland Union Elementary School District advanced “Measure R” for a modern gym, electrical upgrades, classroom/restroom renovations, HVAC improvements, and ADA accessibility. Local Education Pathways (US): Imperial Valley College and University of Arizona Yuma renewed a 12+ year transfer and career partnership, expanding scholarships, internships, and hands-on learning. Student Transport Rules (Saudi Arabia): The education ministry warned students could lose bus access for the year if they break safety rules, including seatbelt use and restrictions on behavior near windows/doors. Teacher Recognition (India/Guam): India’s National Teachers Awards will honor 48 teachers on Sept. 5; Guam named Okkodo High’s Joseph Chargualaf II a National Book Foundation Teacher Fellow. Learning Support & Facilities (Guam/US): Guam reopened meal and homework support during Tiyan and Simon Sanchez closures; Geneva Area City Schools approved a family resource center partnership.

School Safety Planning: Sharjah Police unveiled a coordinated 2026-2027 back-to-school traffic, community and media plan aimed at protecting students and keeping roads moving. Violence at School: A sword attack at Brinelskolan School in Fagersta, Sweden left multiple students injured; police shot and arrested the suspect, and nearby schools were briefly locked down. Funding via Public Land Vote: Minnesota lawmakers approved a plan to ask voters to raise School Trust Lands Fund distributions from 2.5% to 4.5%, with changes potentially starting in 2028. Teacher Support & Grants: Oklahoma Central Foundation launched “10 Teachers, 10 Days,” offering $1,000 classroom awards to 10 educators; Jackson County School System Foundation also announced August staff grant recipients. Admissions & Access: Maharashtra announced a special CAP round for Class 11 admissions for students still without seats, with allotment scheduled for Aug. 25. Food Security: Capital Area Food Bank debuted a converted bus to deliver hot after-school meals to Fairfax County children. Accountability in Schools: Elmore County superintendent said no criminal complaint or DHR report was filed in connection with a suspended employee investigation. Student Safety & Wellbeing: ASU researchers highlighted what makes schools feel safe, tying safety to student mental health and wellbeing.

School Safety Drills: The Philippines’ DepEd is running a nationwide active-threat school drill on Aug. 25, and the Philippine National Police says it will deploy personnel and resources, including a “reunification stage” to guide parents, teachers, and students during incidents. Campus Security in Practice: Cebu is tightening school security after recent shooting incidents and threats, using a one-police-to-school deployment scheme and security inspections across hundreds of schools. School Safety Prayer: Cebu Archbishop Alberto Uy issued an oratio imperata for the protection of schools and children, to be offered Aug. 21–31. Early-Grade Learning Planning: Sri Lanka’s education ministry circular sets the 2027 school term calendar and major exam dates, including GCE O-Levels in December and GCE A-Levels in August. Education Continuity Disruptions: Guam’s McCool Elementary/Middle School will shift to virtual instruction while air-conditioning repairs continue. Higher Ed & Academic Integrity: Ghent University suspended Nathan Cofnas, tied to plagiarism allegations involving late Cambridge professor Jason Arday, as the university reiterates limits on academic freedom. Youth Sports Development: China’s state councilor urged faster development of youth football systems, linking sports training with education to build elite athletes. Back-to-School Access: Chennai’s Greater Chennai Corporation identified 7,302 out-of-school children and launched a field effort to re-enroll them by Aug. 31.

Campus Safety Checks: Philippines Education Secretary Sonny Angara visited schools in Negros to review security and facility conditions after the Aug. 18 Ateneo de Zamboanga Junior High shooting, stressing physical safety alongside mental health support. Book Policy Clash: Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick pushed penalties for schools that keep “vulgar” books, saying boards aren’t removing them under a 2025 law. UN Support for Education Recovery: UNESCO increased Lebanon’s emergency education assistance to $1.8M, including Global Partnership for Education funding to strengthen planning and resilience. Back-to-School Support: A Back-to-School Fair in New Jersey handed out supplies, backpacks, and family services, pairing education prep with health and community resources. Funding Integrity Watch: Fiji’s anti-corruption commission flagged misuse of $40,000 meant for teachers’ quarters, warning school leaders to follow strict controls. Tech Guidance: The U.S. Department of Education issued new guidance on responsible classroom tech use, urging instructional value, transparency, and student outcomes. AI Security in Schools: Colorado’s 27J Schools rolled out an AI camera system to detect guns and alert police faster. Immunization Update: Hawaiʻi reported lower kindergarten vaccination rates in 2025-26, with religious exemptions rising. Prison Education Pathways: Malaysia’s Education Ministry said it will explore merit for prison co-curricular participation and skills certificates for university admissions.