A day after two attacks at Watsonville High School left three injured, the Watsonville Police Department on Friday said a social media threat about a possible shooting at the school was a hoax.
K-12 Education
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Here’s how the federal shutdown is affecting Santa Cruz County governments, schools and nonprofits
Most Santa Cruz County agencies and nonprofits say they have monthlong buffers against the federal government shutdown, though some child care and agricultural programs could face threats if the impasse stretches well beyond October.
Posted inK-12 Education
Pajaro Valley Unified School District no confidence vote fails, as discussion of school resource officers intensifies
The Pajaro Valley Unified School District board rejected a vote of no confidence in its leadership Wednesday while continuing to debate the scope and procedures of school resource officers on campus. Trustees offered feedback on a draft agreement outlining officer roles, with some urging more clarity before students return Aug. 13.
Posted inK-12 Education
As enrollment falls, some Santa Cruz County school districts see their ranks of administrators swell
Some Santa Cruz County school districts, including those facing budget cuts, have added administrators since the pandemic while losing students, with officials citing new state programs and increased social services as driving factors behind the staffing changes.
Posted inLatest News
As powerful e-bikes gain popularity among young teens, Capitola urges state to adopt strict new rules
Capitola’s City Council and police department are advocating for increased regulation at the state level for young e-biker users. They want more training for younger users and recommend that some of that education can happen in schools.
Posted inEducation
California takes up battle over Trump DEI memo on behalf of local schools as deadline looms
In a mounting confrontation over educational policy, California officials are moving to shield local school districts from Trump administration efforts to dismantle diversity programs, as billions in federal funding hangs in balance.
Posted inCapitola & Soquel
Capitola police seize e-bike from teen rider as city presses for new state laws
Capitola police seized an electric bike from a teenager who they say ran a stop sign and popped a wheelie in the intersection in front of a police car earlier this week. The news comes ahead of a Thursday vote by Capitola City Council on whether to write a letter to local state legislators proposing new statewide e-bike regulations.
Posted inK-12 Education
Live Oak Jack Rabbit at Shoreline Middle School fundraises for arts programs
The Live Oak Education foundation is hosting the 4th annual Live Oak Jack Rabbit event Saturday, April 26 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Shoreline Middle School.
Posted inEducation
After turmoil at Pajaro Valley Unified School District, its superintendent charts a path forward
Facing declining enrollment, budget deficits and community backlash, Pajaro Valley Unified superintendent Heather Contreras points to some of her successes in stabilizing Santa Cruz County’s largest school district even as some in the school community have questioned her leadership.
Posted inLatest News
Application window opens for grants for private music lessons
The Santa Cruz County Music Teachers’ Association is offering scholarships to highly motivated music students whose families are unable to pay for private lessons.