This Week in Educational News, November 4, 2025
Today is Election Day and in many places, that means school board elections. These local votes might not make national headlines, but they shape one of the most important environments in a child’s life: their school.
School boards decide how resources are spent, which programs are supported, and what kind of climate students experience every day. Their choices affect everything from class size and nutrition programs to mental health counselors and social-emotional learning. When school boards prioritize well-being, they can help children feel safe, supported, and ready to learn. When they don’t, students can struggle with stress, anxiety, and unequal access to care.
So if you haven’t already, take a few minutes to head to your polling place. Voting for your local school board is one of the simplest, most powerful ways to invest in the health and development of children in your community. Your ballot helps shape not just what kids learn — but how they grow.
Here’s some more news trends
2025 election: Charlotte-Mecklenburg School Board candidates answer questions about top local issues, plans for success
The candidates for the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Board of Education are focusing on improving teacher retention through competitive pay, addressing mental health in schools, and ensuring equitable resource allocation. By prioritizing these areas, they aim to address current issues like overcrowded classrooms and a lack of student preparedness, ultimately enhancing educational outcomes and restoring trust in the school system.
Hope Starts With Us: Pathways to Address Youth Mental Health
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), in collaboration with Macy’s Social Impact Collaborative and the Trust for Public Land, conducted a study to understand youth mental health concerns directly from young individuals. Findings highlight key issues such as academic pressure, social media influence, and social isolation, with experts advocating for more preventive measures and promoting outdoor activities to bolster mental well-being.
Why are suicide rates among young Americans going up?
Suicide rates among young adults aged 18 to 27 in the U.S. have increased by nearly 20% over the past decade, with North Carolina experiencing a 41% rise, particularly affecting Black youth. Innovative community approaches, like Raleigh barber Reggie Winston’s mental health training for barbers, aim to create supportive environments by turning barbershops into spaces for open conversations and emotional support.
And what’s in the research:
