Chalkbeat's journalism is made possible by our sponsors.
Interested in becoming one? Reach out here.

Good morning! Alex here with Chalkbeat New York.

In the wake of New York’s decision to legalize cannabis products, schools across the city have seen a surge in student marijuana use. Now, state officials are hoping a new set of educational resources will help young people and trusted adults navigate a confusing landscape and combat myths about the drug. Read more in today’s top story.

Also in today’s roundup, the City Council is gearing up to vote this week on a bill that would give paraprofessionals a $10,000 payment to offset their low salaries. But even if approved by city lawmakers, it’s possible the payments won’t pass legal muster. Plus, Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who has previously supported legislation to boost paraprofessional pay, signaled that such changes should happen through the collective bargaining process instead.

Local education coverage is disappearing. Chalkbeat helps families and educators understand what’s changing. We can’t do it without you.

Support Chalkbeat

Local News

New campaign aims to dispel cannabis myths for NY teens after legalization

The education campaign “Cannabis Honestly” is meant to cut through pervasive myths and help adults start difficult conversations with young people about cannabis.

Can they do that? Council sets vote on $10K perk for paraprofessionals

The mayor and the Council speaker say they both support boosting the pay of Education Department paraprofessionals, but the current effort might violate state law.

Around Chalkbeat

Parental rights and student gender transitions will be civil rights priorities: top DOJ official

The Trump administration has used student privacy laws to go after schools’ gender transition policies. Now the Justice Department will be playing a larger role in enforcement.