Murry Schekman has more than 40 years’ experience in education, half of those in the Pajaro Valley Unified School District and most recently in the counselor education department at San Jose State University. He and his wife raised their three children in Watsonville, where he served as principal of Watsonville High School from 2006 to 2010.
K-12 Education
Posted inK-12 Education
California’s math overhaul aims to help struggling students. But will it hurt whiz kids?
Supporters say proposed state K-12 framework will make higher-level math accessible to more. Critics contend it will make poor math outcomes worse.
Posted inK-12 Education
Live Oak School District extends Meals on Wheels, Senior Network Services eviction to Aug. 30
During their regular board meeting Wednesday evening, Live Oak School District’s board approved extending eviction notices for the seniors services from June 30 to August 30 while the board finalizes a potential updated lease agreement. The district is aiming to build between 60 to 70 housing units on the nearly two-acre site across the street from Live Oak Elementary School, but Meals on Wheels says it has struggled to find a new location.
Posted inK-12 Education
California doubles down on inclusive education as red states ban books in classrooms
A new California task force called on textbook publishers to commit to producing materials that are “free from discrimination” and inclusive of the state’s diversity.
Posted inK-12 Education
For this Watsonville high school grad, a choppy past planted seeds for big dreams
Reyna, a recent graduate of St. Francis High School in Watsonville, will be heading to UC San Diego in September. After 18 years that have included time spent in the foster care system and multiple moves, she says she’s ready for college — and everything after that.
Posted inK-12 Education
PVUSD superintendent Michelle Rodriguez leaving position to head Stockton Unified School District
Michelle Rodriguez led Pajaro Valley Unified School District and its approximately 19,000 students through many challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the Pajaro River levee breach, and also helped bring new arts programs and develop its career technical education pathways.
Posted inK-12 Education
California public school enrollment continues decline, still reeling from pandemic plunge
The state added school for 4-year-olds, which benefited enrollment figures but did not offset an overall decline.
Posted inK-12 Education
California bill would boost teacher salaries by 50% over 7 years
State Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi has introduced a bill that would boost teacher and school staff salaries by 50% in the coming years, in an effort to close statewide staffing shortages.
Posted inK-12 Education
Pajaro Valley Unified School District in talks for property purchase for workforce housing
As workforce housing rises to the fore in the area’s affordability crisis, the Pajaro Valley Unified School District board considered the purchase of housing in a closed session Wednesday. It could join the Santa Cruz City Schools district, which is moving to build such housing, and the Live Oak School District, which is in the early stages of planning.
Posted inK-12 Education
Lookout Update: Ceiba College Prep chipping away at Watsonville permit mandates
In approving a special-use permit and changing zoning to allow Ceiba College Preparatory Academy to remain at its Locust Street location, the Watsonville City Council imposed 55 conditions for continued operation. Principal Josh Ripp says Ceiba has fully or partially complied with 44, including on safety and trash issues, even as a group of local residents is challenging the permit process.