California’s new Cradle to Career dashboards track students’ college paths and earnings after high school graduation — but leave out some key details.
K-12 Education
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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.
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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.
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‘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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Ceiba charter school to remain in current location under proposed deal
Ceiba College Preparatory Academy in Watsonville has been in a legal battle to be able to stay in its current location for years. During a Wednesday meeting, Pajaro Valley Unified School District’s governing board will vote on an agreement officials believe will allow them to stay.
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Father of Aptos High principal confirms she didn’t resign
After Aptos High School Principal Alison Hanks-Sloan announced that she wouldn’t be returning to the school as principal next year, teachers and parents were shocked and confused. The father of Hanks-Sloan told Lookout he has seen a letter from the district’s human resources department that informs Hanks-Sloan that she’s being reassigned from her position, and isn’t a resignation letter.