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California
21st May 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Sacramento board defies charter revocation

The Sacramento County Board of Education voted 4-3 to overturn the Twin Rivers USD's decision to revoke the charters of Highlands Community Charter and Technical Schools. This decision followed a state audit revealing that the schools improperly received over $180m in taxpayer funds. Twin Rivers officials claimed the schools failed to correct violations by the September 2025 deadline. The California State Auditor highlighted poor fiscal oversight, including nearly $2m spent on gifts and trips, and issues with teacher credentialing. Twin Rivers United Educators expressed disappointment over the reversal, stating, “We remain committed to fighting for Highlands students, educators, and our greater community.” Despite improvements claimed by Highlands officials, Twin Rivers maintained that material violations persisted. California Teachers Association President David Goldberg emphasized the need to uphold the revocation due to unresolved issues.

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GOVERNANCE

Morales faces backlash over bonus scandal

César Morales, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools, admitted to receiving a nearly $16,000 unauthorized bonus in 2024, which he has since repaid. "I shared the information to be fully transparent," Morales said, acknowledging the error. The controversy arises as he seeks reelection this June. Board Member Michael Teasdal withdrew his endorsement, expressing concern over the delay in disclosing the payment during an election period. Richard Lucas III, another board member, stated: "Integrity is doing the right thing regardless of whether anyone is looking," criticizing Morales for not meeting that standard. The bonus, part of a budget surplus and a 5% salary increase for employees, was not approved by the board, leading to scrutiny of Morales' governance.

WORKFORCE

San Bernardino school cuts positions

The San Bernardino USD has made significant staffing adjustments, cutting 12 non-teaching positions and reducing hours for 16 others. Despite sending out 37 layoff notices in March, district officials stated that no employees lost their jobs, thanks to reassignments. "The district did not lay off any employees as part of the staffing adjustments," said district representative Goodwin. The changes were made to align with budgetary constraints and ensure resources support students and schools. Positions eliminated included bilingual clerks, instructional aides, and recreation aides. Legal director David Loy from the First Amendment Coalition raised concerns about the legality of discussing layoffs in closed sessions, suggesting it may violate the Brown Act. Goodwin maintained that the district operated within legal boundaries throughout the process.

Teachers push back on TOSAs plan

The Saugus USD is facing significant pushback from teachers and community members regarding the proposed hiring of two Teachers on Special Assignment (TOSAs) for social-emotional learning. Many educators believe that the funds should instead be allocated to hiring more classroom aides and intervention teachers. A survey conducted by the Saugus Teachers Association revealed that "an overwhelming majority of responses state that SEL TOSAs are not needed and represent a waste of money." Teacher Ingrid Boydston expressed concerns about the district's interpretation of survey data, stating: "We made it really super clear that we do not believe that creating SEL TOSA positions will help us with our big behavior crisis at all."

FINANCE

Measure B campaign raises $9,450

A campaign supporting the parcel tax for the Palo Alto USD, known as "Yes on Measure B," has reported raising $9,450 through five donations. Notable contributions include $1,000 from teachers' union president Tom Culbertson, $950 from the Palo Alto Council of PTAs, and $500 from Santa Clara County Board of Education member Jessica Speiser. The largest donations came from LPA Design Studios, which donated $2,000, and Overwatch Construction Management, which contributed $5,000. Despite these efforts, former board members Todd Collins and Ken Dauber expressed concerns about the campaign's community support, stating: "What we are seeing now is a historic lack of enthusiasm from the very people... who usually provide the backbone of school support." Ballots for Measure B were sent out on May 4 and are due by June 2.

Modesto schools eye November bond measure

Modesto City Schools (MCS) is considering a bond measure for the November ballot, which could authorize the sale of up to $250m in bonds. The funds would be allocated for upgrading high school classrooms, labs, and career training facilities, as well as repairing essential infrastructure. Trustee Cindy Marks expressed concerns about multiple bond measures potentially confusing voters, stating: “I still believe that our needs are great and we've accomplished a lot.” If approved, this would be MCS's fifth bond since 2018. Meanwhile, Sylvan USD is also contemplating a bond measure, with the last one passed in 2006. YCCD has not yet confirmed a bond measure but has received positive feedback from surveys.

CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION

Folsom schools set for expansion

The Folsom Cordova USD plans to open seven new schools over the next decade to accommodate rising enrollment, according to spokesperson Angela Griffin. The proposed campuses include three high schools, two middle schools, and two elementary schools, with openings scheduled from 2027 to 2036. Griffin stated: “It is important to note that as growth ebbs and flows, we will update these projections.” The district, serving about 22,000 students, is also considering a districtwide bond measure to address an estimated $4.1 bn in facility needs, including new construction and repairs. Current capacity levels show that high school enrollment is projected to exceed available space by 2030, necessitating these expansions. Griffin emphasized the need for local funding to meet the anticipated costs.

Eliot tower's fate hangs in balance

The Pasadena USD is set to conduct a year-long environmental impact report on the Eliot Arts Magnet Academy tower to assess its safety. Superintendent Elizabeth Blanco announced this decision at the Altadena Town Council meeting, reversing her previous statement that the tower was unsafe. Blanco expressed regret for any distress caused by her earlier comments, stating: “I want to sincerely apologize for any grief I caused anybody.” The environmental review process will include a significant public comment period and could take up to a year, alongside the three-year timeline for rebuilding the academy. If the tower is found structurally unsound, the district may consider constructing a replica for public access. 

CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION

Sierra High earns prestigious gold medal

Sierra High School has been awarded the Career Choices Gold Medal, the highest recognition from Academic Innovations, for its outstanding performance in preparing students for post-high school success. This achievement marks a significant upgrade from its previous Silver-level recognition, showcasing years of dedication to student growth. “Sierra High School continues to raise the bar for what’s possible when career and life planning is embedded into the student experience,” said Mindy Bingham, CEO of Academic Innovations. The school integrates the Career Choices curriculum and My10yearPlan.com, enabling students to create personalized 10-year plans that align academic choices with career goals.

STEM

Robobowl sparks student innovation

More than 100 students from the Long Beach USD participated in the annual “RoboBowl” robotics competition, which took place on May 16 at McBride High School. The event brought together 150 middle school students to showcase their engineering, teamwork, and problem-solving skills through various challenges. In its 12th year, the competition aims to foster creativity and technical skills among students, shaping future STEM leaders. Hughes Middle School emerged as the overall winner, with both Hughes and Tincher K8 Alliance being crowned tournament champions. The event was hosted by the LBUSD Secondary Office and McBride High School, with sponsorship from the Port of Long Beach and the Apostle Foundation.

HIGHER EDUCATION

Fortune Schools and Sac State unite

Sacramento State and Fortune Schools have formed a partnership to guarantee admission for eligible Fortune graduating seniors starting with the class of 2026. To qualify for the College Preparation and Priority Admissions Consideration Program, students must have been enrolled at Fortune Schools since ninth grade, complete all “A-G” coursework, and meet Sac State’s admission requirements. “This MOU is a game-changer for our scholars,” said Margaret Fortune, president and CEO of Fortune Schools. The collaboration aims to provide students with access to financial aid, scholarships, and additional support services. Dr. Luke Wood, president of Sacramento State, emphasized the partnership's commitment to closing opportunity gaps and investing in the community.

AND FINALLY......

Love blooms at graduation ceremony

During the UC Davis School of Medicine commencement ceremony, Habib Salamah proposed to Alaa'i Alshabrawy, creating a memorable moment that has since gone viral. As Salamah received his diploma, he dropped to one knee, prompting applause from the audience. “When I got down on one knee, I wasn't just asking Dr. Alshabrawy to marry me, I was also pleading with the world to see Palestinians as human beings, too,” Salamah said. Alshabrawy, who is an internal medicine resident and graduated in 2025, expressed gratitude to those who celebrated their engagement, stating: “Thank you all for celebrating such a special day with me.” The couple's heartfelt moment highlights the intersection of personal milestones and advocacy for human dignity.
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