Legislation co-authored by the Legislative Jewish Caucus and others follows complaints and lawsuits alleging that some districts’ instruction fosters antisemitism.
K-12 Education
Posted inEducation
Teachers say Aptos High School to keep 7-period schedule for upcoming academic year
Aptos High School will continue to have a seven-period schedule as opposed to a six-period schedule for the 2025-26 school year after teachers raised concerns that layoffs and district attempts to lower costs put the seven-period schedule at risk. Teachers union president Nelly Vaquera-Boggs said teachers were assured they’ll keep the seven-period schedule for the upcoming year.
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Paid internship brings next generation to Watsonville city government
Incoming juniors and seniors in Pajaro Valley Unified School District may apply for the City of Watsonville’s Summer in the City internship program, which provides youth with career readiness skills, leadership and civic engagement activities, and opportunities to participate in local government.
Posted inEducation
With district layoffs looming, Aptos High teachers rally in support of seven-period schedule
Aptos High School teachers say layoffs coming to Pajaro Valley Unified School District will reduce the number of teachers and courses they can offer and won’t be enough to maintain their seven-period schedule. District Superintendent Heather Contreras said PVUSD isn’t switching the school to a six-period schedule, but teachers say they’re “not getting clear answers.”
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PVUSD’s Pacific Coast Charter School faces closure vote
A Pajaro Valley Unified School District charter school that opened in 1999 will be considered for closure by the district’s governing board during its Wednesday meeting following a rating of “low performing.” Pacific Coast Charter School’s governing council endorsed the closure during a meeting last month.
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Pajaro Valley Unified School District chief business officer resigns after contentious budget vote
After the Pajaro Valley Unified School District governing board rejected most proposals for layoffs at the district during a meeting last Tuesday, Chief Business Officer Jenny Im resigned the next day. School officials said her departure is a loss for the district and community.
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PVUSD board revotes, approves some layoffs in special meeting
The Pajaro Valley Unified School District governing board voted again on proposals for layoffs of about 100 full-time-equivalent positions during a special meeting Tuesday evening. By majority votes, the trustees approved layoffs for about 60.55 out of the total 99.55 that were proposed. Superintendent Heather Contreras said she’s concerned about the budget and decisions the board will have to make next year to stay fiscally solvent.
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‘Afraid to go to school’: Immigrant families in the Salinas Valley are gripped by fear
Threats of deportation under President Donald Trump’s second administration have caused anxiety among immigrants, but schools in the Salinas Valley are helping comfort children and easing parents’ fears.
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‘We’re not in violation of the law’: Santa Cruz County schools respond to memo to end DEI initiatives or risk losing federal funding
In a Friday memo from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, federal officials told schools and universities they have two weeks to end all diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives or risk losing federal funding. Santa Cruz County school and college leaders told Lookout that while the memo is concerning, they believe they’re not at risk of losing funding as they’re following state and federal laws.
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PVUSD proposal to relocate Renaissance high school to make room for Ceiba Prep draws opposition from teachers, staff, students
Pajaro Valley Unified School District officials are proposing to relocate a La Selva Beach continuation school to Pajaro Valley High School in Watsonville after one of the district’s charter schools submitted a request for new facilities. Many Renaissance High Continuation students and staff are against the move.