A program that promised schools upgraded AC systems was cut short in 2024, leaving hundreds of districts with broken systems and no money to fix them.
K-12 Education
Posted inEducation
Are California voters signaling tax fatigue toward school bonds and parcel taxes?
Though a limited sample, a smaller-than-average number of California districts passed school construction bonds and parcel taxes in June.
Posted inEducation
California reading scores are up, thanks to literacy investments. Can the state do more?
In 2023, California allocated $500 million in grants for schools to hire literacy coaches and take other steps to boost reading skills.
Posted inEducation
California bill could push schools to use unspent Prop 28 arts education funds
California lawmakers hope to address the “chilling effect” of schools leaving Proposition 28 funds unspent three years after the voter-approved mandate for arts education.
Posted inEducation
Pajaro Valley Unified school board renews school resource officer contracts
Pajaro Valley Unified School District renewed contracts this week with local law enforcement agencies to provide on-campus officers at Aptos High, Watsonville High and Pajaro Valley High.
Posted inEducation
California school libraries blindsided by ‘catastrophic’ budget cut
California’s latest budget cut $5.5 million for K-12 school libraries. That money pays online fees for student research materials.
Posted inEducation
Pajaro Valley Unified chief business officer resigns
Pajaro Valley Unified School District Chief Business Officer Gerardo Castillo announced his resignation this week after less than a year on the job. His departure comes as the district grapples with continued strains on its budget.
Posted inVisual Story
Preparing for the unthinkable: Local first responders drill at Soquel High for mass-casualty incident
Law enforcement, fire and EMS personnel are participating in Santa Cruz County’s five-day active-shooter response training this week at Soquel High School. The annual exercise, hosted by the sheriff’s office, brings together about 150 officers and more than 80 firefighters to practice coordinated response to a simulated mass-casualty incident.
Posted inEducation
Watsonville police charge woman with criminal threats after social media comment
Watsonville police officers arrested a 22-year-old woman Friday after they say she posted a threatening comment on Instagram directed at the Pajaro Valley Unified School District board.
Posted inEducation
Could early education bring down rising costs to serve California students with disabilities?
Parents, educators and researchers say that inclusive early education improves outcomes for students with disabilities and reduces the need for more intensive — and costly — special education services in older grades.
