Women in Oregon now represent 36% of school superintendent roles in the state -- surpassing the national average, writes Krista Parent of the Coalition of Oregon School Administrators in this opinion piece. This shift is the result of targeted efforts to address historical barriers such as pay disparities and limited career advancement opportunities for women, with initiatives such as the Oregon Women Superintendent Network helping to foster a more inclusive leadership landscape for women in education.

As a leader, it can feel uncomfortable to ask for feedback because it feels personal, but growth requires input, writes leadership coach Dan Rockwell. Get the feedback you need by asking others how you can help them, what worked during meetings and whether your actions are lining up with company or team values, Rockwell recommends.

The San Diego Unified School District is set to partner with Affirmed Housing, Bridge Housing and Decro to build 1,500 affordable housing units for teachers across five properties. The project, requiring no district funds, is expected to generate $504 million in revenue from leases over 99 years, and aims to provide affordable housing options for 10% of the district's workforce within a decade.

The North Carolina State Board of Education has approved a plan to raise pay for school social workers by requiring a master's degree in social work, contingent on up to $10.9 million in state funding. The proposal aims to address the mental health and social needs of students, but funding from state lawmakers is uncertain.

The swift implementation of AI in the workplace can trigger employee resentment, particularly if changes are abrupt or poorly communicated. Mandating AI adoption, as seen in Microsoft's recent policy, risks disengagement and pessimism among staff. Experts recommend a more inclusive approach -- encouraging, not enforcing, AI use and providing skills training to address concerns about job security -- that can foster a more positive attitude toward AI.

Head Start, the federal program for early childhood education, has faced challenges this year, including regional office closures and funding delays. However, the program also celebrated its 60th anniversary and received the Smithsonian Institution's "One Smithsonian" award. The program serves nearly 800,000 children annually, providing education, health services and family support to low-income families.