Back-to-School Season Brings Policy Shifts, Parental Concerns Nationwide

As millions of students return to classrooms this fall, school districts are grappling with shifting federal policies, parental anxieties and a series of changes that could shape education for years to come.

According to USA Today, uncertainty over the future of federal grants left many superintendents scrambling to finalize budgets this summer. Immigration enforcement and threats of deportation disrupted some school communities, while federal scrutiny of LGBTQ-inclusive policies and diversity initiatives added to tensions. “Parents are understandably concerned about what this year will bring,” said Yvonne Johnson, president of the National Parent Teacher Association.

Though local and state governments provide most school funding, the federal government wields influence over student health, nutrition and equity programs. This year, four major issues stand out:

New nutritional standards. The U.S. Department of Agriculture began phasing in limits on added sugar in school meals this summer. By 2027, sodium reductions will follow. Advocates warn that simultaneous cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, mandated by the “One Big, Beautiful Bill Act,” could eventually reduce access to free school meals. “It’s not necessarily this back-to-school season, but down the road, we’re concerned some students may not get the food they need,” said Diane Pratt-Heavner of the School Nutrition Association.

Vaccine opt-outs. More parents are claiming nonmedical exemptions for childhood vaccinations. In 17 states, over 5% of kindergarteners are entering schools without required shots. Health experts warn that declining vaccination rates, fueled by misinformation and looser state laws, may increase the risk of measles, mumps and rubella outbreaks.

DEI mandates. The Trump administration ordered states and districts to dismantle diversity, equity and inclusion programs earlier this year, arguing they violated civil rights law. Many states resisted, and a federal judge blocked the mandate in August. For now, schools are not required to alter existing DEI practices.

Presidential Fitness Test. Trump signed an order in July to reinstate the decades-old program of physical benchmarks in schools. Details on its rollout remain unclear.

As classrooms fill again, parents and educators alike face a school year shaped by both long-term reforms and immediate political battles.