Mission Statement

The California Association of Private School Organizations (CAPSO) is the voice of K-12 private education in California. Its primary mission is to preserve the independence of California’s private schools and to uphold parental choice in education. CAPSO, independently and in collaboration with other community and governmental institutions, is an advocate, catalyst, and creative leader for strengthening and advancing K-12 private education in California. CAPSO’s mission is based on the belief that a healthy, pluralistic society depends upon educational options, parental choice, and dialogue and collaboration between educational entities.

In This Issue...

Impact of Updated FLSA on CA Private Schools

School Choice Under the New Administration

Hoover Report on K-12 Public Education

Updated ESEA Guidance From the US Department of Education, Office of Non-Public Education

Emergency Preparedness Trainings Available to Private Schools

Updated Air Quality Guidance and Resources

*** Please Reply, CaPS-PD Survey for Private School PD Needs ***

*** Please Join Us! CAPSO CO-Presents with the CDE on ESSA/ESEA ***

No Cost Private School PD Available

Legislative Call to Action

What I've Been Reading

Impact of Updated Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) on California Private Schools

A recent decision by a federal judge to block new standards under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which would have raised the salary threshold for exempt employees, has limited impact on California private schools. The ruling affects only the federal minimum salary threshold and does not alter California's own more stringent wage and hour laws, which require private schools in the state to adhere to higher standards for exempt employee compensation. California's exemption rules, including a higher salary basis and specific criteria for employee classifications, remain unaffected by the federal court's decision, meaning that private schools in California must continue to comply with state law, regardless of the federal ruling. For calculation information on the minimum threshold for exempt employee salary in California, visit CAPSO's website resource: https://www.capso.org/exempt-status-teacher-salaries.

Read the Full Article Here: LCW Special Bulletin

School Choice Under the New Administration

The school choice movement is expected to experience new momentum during the Trump administration. This includes the potential for the Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA), on which the Council for American Private Education (CAPE) and CAPSO have taken a support position. The new administration is expected to embrace expanding alternatives to traditional public schools as a way to empower parents and improve education outcomes. The movement's growth reflects a broader push to reshape the U.S. education system, focusing on competition and parental control over school choices.

Read the Full Article Here: The Hill



Learn More About ECCA Here: Invest in Education

Hoover Report on K-12 Public Education

The report "Ours to Solve: A Path Forward for America's Education System" by the Hoover Institution presents a comprehensive analysis of the challenges facing the U.S. education system and offers a set of actionable recommendations for reform. It outlines key issues such as declining student performance, the widening achievement gap, and the need for greater school accountability. The report advocates for empowering parents through greater educational choice, supporting teachers with better training and resources, and promoting innovation in education through technology and personalized learning. It also calls for a renewed focus on improving public schools while encouraging more competition through charter schools and other alternatives. By addressing these issues, the report argues that the U.S. can create a more equitable and effective education system that prepares students for the challenges of the future.

Read the Full Article Here: Hoover Institution

Updated ESEA Guidance from the US Department of Education, Office of Non-Public Education

The U.S. Department of Education has published final regulations amending the Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR), specifically updating 34 CFR Parts 75, 76, 77, 79, and 299. These changes include clarifications on formal complaint procedures related to equitable services for private school students and educators under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESEA), detailed in new sections § 299.16 and § 299.17. The amendments also address ESEA bypass procedures in sections § 299.18 through § 299.28. Additionally, provisions in § 76.650 through § 76.662 apply to programs offering equitable services that lack specific program regulations, though no such programs have been identified to date. These revisions aim to ensure alignment with ESEA requirements and enhance consultation practices as outlined in § 299.7.

Review the Code of Federal Regulations Here

School Safety Trainings Available to Private Schools

Carlos Garcia, Emergency Services Team Specialist [School Facilities and Transportation Services Div.] at the California Department of Education, has made the following information available to private schools. We thank Carlos Garcia for his continued partnership in keeping private schools informed of issues and resources in Emergency Services.

*** CaPS-PD Survey for Private School PD Needs ***

Under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), the State Education Agency (SEA) has the responsibility to implement equitable services for qualified nonprofit private school teachers and administrators to the extent that it reserves any funds under the ESEA Section 2101(c)(1) for any of the State-level activities authorized in sections 2101(c)(3)-(4). The California Department of Education manages California Private School Professional Development (CAPSPD.now) and receives funds through Title II, Part A Equitable Services to provide no-cost professional development to private school educators.

Your responses to this survey will help the CaPS-PD Professional Development for Private Schools Office determine the best PD offerings and Annual Conference Design to meet the needs of private school participants.

Survey Responses Due by January 15, 2025.

Click here to complete the survey- Thank You!

Please Join Us!

CAPSO CO-Presents with the CDE on ESSA/ESEA

CAPSO is pleased to partner with the California Department of Education to co-present to private school leaders and public school LEAs on Title Programs (ESEA/ESSA) for students and teachers in private schools. 

Please see the flyer below for more information. Private school leaders who would benefit from an introductory webinar on the title programs available to private schools are encouraged to attend. This free informational session will have three offerings; visit www.capso.org/essa-collaborative for more information. 

Space is limited, and registration is required.

No Cost Private School PD Available

The California Department of Education receives funds through Title II, Part A Equitable Services to provide no-cost professional development to private school educators.

The website, https://www.capspdnow.com, offers over 1000 no-cost courses available to schools and teachers in an on-demand format. Private school teachers and administrators can join the CaPSPD email distribution list to receive notifications about upcoming development opportunities by sending a blank email to join-private-school-professional-development@mlist.cde.ca.gov

Learn More About CaPSPDNow

Legislative Call to Action

Have Your Voice Heard in the PD Offerings Under ESEA for Private Schools!

WHAT: Complete the CaPS-PD survey to inform future PD offerings!

WHY: Under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), the State Education Agency (SEA) has the responsibility to implement equitable services for qualified nonprofit private school teachers and administrators to the extent that it reserves any funds under the ESEA Section 2101(c)(1) for any of the State-level activities authorized in sections 2101(c)(3)-(4). The California Department of Education manages California Private School Professional Development (CAPSPD.now) and receives funds through Title II, Part A Equitable Services to provide no-cost professional development to private school educators. Your feedback is critical to creating data-informed offerings that meet the needs of private school educators.

WHEN: Please complete the survey by January 15, 2025.

HOW: Click here to Complete the CaPS-PD PD Offerings Survey.

What I've Been Reading...

An important component of my position is to read rigorously to stay current with all happenings that potentially impact private schools in California. A few articles always stand out as worthwhile, firsthand reads for private school leaders in California.

These articles do not necessarily represent CAPSO's perspective; they are resources that represent the diversity of thinking impacting and influencing the political and academic climate.

Have a few moments? Consider the following recommended links to What I've Been Reading...

Private School Matters, Legal Update (11/2024)

https://tinyurl.com/PSM112024

Taxpayer Savings Thanks to Private and Homeschooling Families

https://www.idahoednews.org/voices/the-incredible-savings-private-and-home-schooling-families-are-offering-taxpayers/

Fewer Students are Going to CA Public Schools

https://calmatters.org/education/k-12-education/2024/11/school-closures/

Walters Establishes Religious Liberty and Patriotism

https://sde.ok.gov/press-release/2024-11-12/walters-announces-office-religious-liberty-and-patriotism

Trump Could See Thousands of American Children in Private Schools

https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2024/11/21/trumps-move-could-see-thousands-of-american-children-in-private-schools

AI Use Student Punishment Upheld by Judge

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/massachusetts-students-punishment-ai-use-can-stand-us-judge-rules-2024-11-21/