Parents and teachers are urging Pajaro Valley Unified School District to reinstate a contract with Barrios Unidos, a local nonprofit that provided on-campus mentorship to Pajaro Valley High School students. While district officials cite unmet performance outcomes, supporters argue the program was vital for students facing crises and should be prioritized.
K-12 Education
Posted inEducation
Kids2Parks program to fund student field trips to state parks set to open for school year
Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks is opening applications July 28 for the Kids2Parks field trip program, which funds transportation for field trips to state parks and beaches for schools serving low-income families.
Posted inEducation
How tiny Pacific Elementary defied the trend of declining enrollment: Student chefs, small classes and parent volunteers
While California schools struggle to grow enrollment, Davenport’s Pacific Elementary has expanded its student body by more than 60% in the past eight years through a blend of unconventional programs, small class sizes and deep community involvement.
Posted inEducation
Trump withholds about $10 million from Santa Cruz County schools
The Trump administration is withholding about $10 million in federal funding from Santa Cruz County schools as part of a broader freeze affecting over $6.2 billion nationwide. The cuts threaten key programs including migrant education, afterschool activities and support for English language learners.
Posted inEducation
Local high schoolers complete Young Supervisors Academy
A dozen students from four Santa Cruz County high schools were recognized for participating in a leadership program founded by County Supervisor Felipe Hernandez.
Posted inLatest News
Santa Cruz City Schools offer free meals for all students next school year
Santa Cruz City Schools said it will offer free meals to all students for the 2025-26 school year, regardless of household income or any other factor.
Posted inLatest News
PVUSD sends apology letter to founder of ethnic studies consultant
Pajaro Valley Unified School District mailed an apology letter to ethnic studies consultant Allyson Tintiangco-Cubales on Wednesday, nearly two years after cutting ties with her over accusations of antisemitism. Community members who had demanded greater transparency criticized the board for not discussing the letter during the meeting.
Posted inEducation
Six new principals and assistant principals to join Pajaro Valley Unified School District
Six schools across Pajaro Valley Unified School District are welcoming new staff members to the roles of principal and assistant principal.
Posted inEducation
PVUSD announces Measure M citizens oversight committee
Pajaro Valley Unified School District has formed a citizens committee to oversee expenditure of funds from Measure M, the $315 million facilities bond district voters approved in November.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
Students want sustainability: Here’s how our high school group is restructuring school waste
Santa Cruz County high school students are tired of their schools generating copious amounts of food waste. That’s why Youth for Environmental Action, a student-led group under the Santa Cruz County Office of Education, has been conducting waste audits at local high schools. In one day this spring, students found more than 31 pounds of uneaten food in trash bins at three different schools – Aptos, Soquel and San Lorenzo Valley. Sylvi Kayser, a rising senior at Aptos High, helped conduct the audits and writes about what students will do with the information when school starts back in the fall.