Studies have shown that cellphone use is a serious distraction for students that affects their mental health, social-emotional development and ability to concentrate in class.
K-12 Education
Posted inEducation
California voters are about to elect a new state superintendent. It’s barely on the radar
With the June 2 primary election just weeks away, nearly a third of California voters are undecided in the race for state superintendent of public instruction.
Posted inEducation
Pacific Collegiate School safe after false threat call, lockdown
Pacific Collegiate School went into lockdown Tuesday afternoon after receiving an anonymous threat call, but Santa Cruz police later determined the threat was not credible following a sweep of the campus. School officials said all students and staff were safe.
Posted inEducation
What’s holding back California students? A new report urges stronger state oversight
California’s shift to a funding system that gave school districts control has left big gaps in student performance and questions over who’s accountable for what, according to a new report.
Posted inFood & Drink
From field to lunch tray: Live Oak’s thriving school farm grows thousands of pounds of produce for students
Live Oak School District celebrated the first full harvest year of its campus farm, which produced 4,800 pounds of organic fruits, vegetables and herbs used in school meals and educational programs across seven schools. The project, built on a former baseball field, combines nutrition, hands-on learning and food access, with students helping prepare fresh meals while the farm also donates surplus produce to local families.
Posted inEducation
A parent and a high school senior are running for Pajaro Valley school board
Parent advocate Mads Realmuto and graduating Pajaro Valley High senior Eriberto Estrada have announced campaigns for the Pajaro Valley Unified School District board, challenging incumbents Misty Navarro and Daniel Dodge Jr., respectively, in the November election.
Posted inEducation
Two Santa Cruz County teachers unions at impasse with their districts over contract negotiations
Teachers unions at Pacific Collegiate School and in Pajaro Valley Unified School District have reached an impasse with administrators after months of stalled contract negotiations over pay and benefits, moving them closer to a potential strike. The disagreements center on salary increases and a proposed cap on health benefits.
Posted inEducation
Pajaro Valley Unified settles with family over unmet services for special education student
Pajaro Valley Unified School District reached a settlement with the family of a first grade special education student after acknowledging it failed to meet legal requirements outlined in the child’s education plan. The agreement includes compensatory services such as summer camp, behavioral support and speech therapy.
Posted inEducation
More than music: Jim Stewart’s 30 years of building community in Soquel High’s band class
After three decades at Soquel High School, retiring band director Jim Stewart leaves behind a program defined as much by community and belonging as by musical achievement. Through a mix of humor, discipline and care, Stewart shaped generations of students — many of whom went on to careers in music and education.
Posted inEducation
Pajaro Valley Unified officials, teachers face off over district proposal to cap health insurance contributions
Contract negotiations in Pajaro Valley Unified School District have intensified as teachers push back against a district proposal to cap health insurance contributions. The district says the cap is needed to address rising health care costs, while teachers argue it could drive staff out of the district.