California receives $2.4 billion in federal Title I money for low-income schools, about $1.3 billion for special education and $250 million for after-school programs, among other grants. President Donald Trump had ordered schools to eliminate diversity programs or risk losing federal funding.
K-12 Education
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
Pajaro Valley district trustees need a lesson in leadership and antisemitism as they implement ethnic studies curriculum
Rabbi Debbie Israel was stunned when she attended the recent Pajaro Valley Unified School District meeting, where trustees voted to continue a controversial ethnic studies contract with Community Responsive Education. She says she found “outright antisemitism in the name of no antisemitism.” She says trustees used conventional antisemitic tropes and showed little grace, openness or leadership skills in their dealings with concerned members of the Jewish community.
Posted inEducation
How do high schoolers in your area really fare after graduation? A new California tool lets you know
California’s new Cradle to Career dashboards track students’ college paths and earnings after high school graduation — but leave out some key details.
Posted inEducation
PVUSD board votes to approve contract with controversial ethnic studies consultant
The vote by the Pajaro Valley Unified School District governing board came after months of activism by community members, students and teachers, who urged the board to renew a contract with the consultant, Community Responsive Education.
Posted inEducation
California’s schools chief has a $200,000 salary and a side gig
Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, a candidate for California governor in 2026, has regularly worked side jobs at Bay Area nonprofits to earn extra income because he says the state pay is insufficient.
Posted inEducation
‘I thought I would retire here’: PVUSD teachers face final days in the classroom as pink slips arrive
Dozens of Pajaro Valley Unified School District teachers face an uncertain future after receiving layoff notices, threatening popular programs in video production, theater arts and ethnic studies amid budget constraints. Several teachers who spoke to Lookout say they’re devastated at the prospect of losing their jobs.
Posted inEducation
PVUSD board weighs future of ethnic studies contract as community rallies behind program
After not renewng an ethnic studies contract with Community Responsive Education last year over antisemitism concerns, Pajaro Valley Unified School District is considering hiring a new ethnic studies consultant. Despite vocal opposition, students, teachers and most trustees praised the program’s impact in a meeting on Friday. There are two town halls scheduled before a May board decision.
Posted inEducation
Harbor High, Soquel High to open mental health wellness centers next week
Two new wellness centers for student mental health are set to open next week, coming to the Harbor High School and Soquel High School campuses. A third center will open at Santa Cruz High in 2026.
Posted inEducation
California not backing down on trans student privacy — despite Trump’s threat to yank funding
Last year, California passed a law that prohibits schools from requiring staff to notify parents if a student identifies as transgender. The U.S. Department of Education alleges the law violates parents’ rights and is threatening an investigation.
Posted inEducation
PVUSD revives debate over controversial ethnic studies program at Friday meeting
Pajaro Valley Unified School District’s governing board will hold a special study session Friday about the district’s ethnic studies curriculum. The trustees won’t be making any decisions Friday, but might vote on a new contract for a consultant in May.