Santa Cruz County Superintendent of Schools Faris Sabbah recently wrote a letter to Pajaro Valley Unified School District’s governing board, warning the trustees about his concerns that trustees’ comments “appeared to invoke anti-Semitic tropes” and about violations of laws governing the board’s actions.
Pajaro Valley Unified School District
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
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
After turmoil at Pajaro Valley Unified School District, its superintendent charts a path forward
Facing declining enrollment, budget deficits and community backlash, Pajaro Valley Unified superintendent Heather Contreras points to some of her successes in stabilizing Santa Cruz County’s largest school district even as some in the school community have questioned her leadership.
Posted inEducation
Controversial consultant among vendors up for PVUSD ethnic studies contract
The Pajaro Valley Unified School District governing board will soon vote on a new contract with a vendor to continue developing the district’s ethnic studies program. Superintendent Heather Contreras said Community Responsive Education, which previously worked with the district before the board declined to renew its contract, will be among the options for consideration.
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
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.
Posted inEducation
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.
Posted inEducation
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.