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A record number of California school districts successfully passed local construction bonds in the November elections, with 205 out of 267 proposals approved, achieving a passage rate of 77%. Michael Coleman, founder of CaliforniaCityFinance.com, noted that this rate is just shy of the historic approval rate of 79% since 2000. Major urban areas, including Los Angeles Unified and San Francisco Unified, led the way with significant bond proposals. Clovis Unified Superintendent Corrine Folmer emphasized the importance of their bond measure, stating, “This bond measure is critical to keeping our schools in the great shape they are in today.” However, some rural districts faced challenges, with Brie Fraley highlighting the economic strains that influenced voting decisions. In addition to construction bonds, 24 out of 26 proposed parcel taxes also passed, reflecting strong community support for school funding.

 

EdSource

On the first day of California's legislative session, Assemblymember Kate Sanchez introduced the Protect Girls' Sports Act, aiming to ban transgender high school students from competing on girls' teams. Sanchez argued that “young women who have spent years training... are now being forced to compete against individuals with undeniable biological advantages.” Despite its introduction, the bill is expected to fail in a Democratic-controlled legislature. Critics, including Assemblymember Chris Ward, labeled it a political stunt, emphasizing that it targets a vulnerable population. The Williams Institute estimates that only about 1.4% of American teenagers identify as transgender, with even fewer participating in sports. The bill has ignited discussions on the rights of transgender youth, with contrasting proposals like the Transgender Privacy Act introduced by state Sen. Scott Wiener, aimed at protecting transgender individuals from discrimination.

 

Los Angeles Times

How Will You Screen for Dyslexia?

California’s Reading Difficulties Risk Screener Selection Panel has identified and approved reading difficulties risk screening instruments. Local educational agencies (LEAs) can use these tools to meet a new requirement taking effect for the 2025-26 school year to annually screen all kindergarten through second grade students for risk of reading difficulties, including dyslexia. HMH is excited to leverage Amira to better support California students' reading development and ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed.

Learn About HMH Amira

 

On January 14, Sonoma Valley USD Superintendent Jeanette Rodriguez-Chien informed parents about a one-day strike planned by the Valley of the Moon Teachers Association (VMTA) on January 16. The District intends to keep schools open, utilizing support from classified staff and substitutes. Rodriguez-Chien described the strike as “unpermitted” and emphasized the District's willingness to negotiate. VMTA Co-President Dennis Housman stated the strike protests the Board of Trustees' refusal to ratify a tentative agreement from October 1, 2024, asserting that “VMTA’s standing up for our students, our educators, and the legal bargaining process sends a powerful message.” The District has scheduled special board meetings to address labor negotiations following the strike announcement.

 

Sonoma Valley Sun

The Pacifica School District is advancing plans to consolidate schools, with a vote scheduled for January 22. If approved, K-5 students from Ocean Shore School will be relocated to Sunset Ridge School for the next academic year, while Vallemar School's 6-8th grade program will transition to Ingrid B. Lacy Middle School in the 2026-2027 school year. The Board of Trustees discussed the changes during a study session, emphasizing the need for this shift in the district's educational landscape.

 

Half Moon Bay Review

Manteca USD is making significant strides in college and career preparedness, with 42.5% of students meeting or exceeding state goals, a 4.5% increase from 2023. Superintendent Clark Burke stated: “We are making progress but we need to do better.” The district has focused on individual student needs, particularly for foster youth, who have seen a 26-point increase in English language arts mastery and a 5.7-point rise in math articulation. The implementation of standards-based report cards aims to provide clearer insights into student performance, allowing parents to better support their children. Director of Student Programs Sherrie Jamero oversees the initiatives for foster youth, ensuring continuous improvement in educational outcomes. Overall, Manteca's efforts have positioned it ahead of neighboring districts in key performance areas.

 

Manteca Bulletin

More than 100 attendees gathered at a Redlands USD board meeting to discuss a proposal that would restrict flags on campuses to only the U.S., California, and military flags. The meeting, held on January 14th 2025, showcased the community's strong feelings regarding the flag ban, with board members actively engaging in the discussion. 

 

Inland Valley Daily Bulletin

During a recent panel discussion at the National Press Club, four finalists for the 2025 National Superintendent of the Year award emphasized the need for public schools to innovate and secure better funding to remain competitive amid the rise of school choice. David Moore, superintendent of the Indian River County School District, stated, “The fact is that the No. 1 choice for educating all the children in our community is the public education system.” The superintendents highlighted the importance of building school-to-career pipelines and offering specialized programs to attract students. They also discussed the necessity of qualified teachers and community engagement to understand students' aspirations. The finalists included Debbie Jones, Walter B. Gonsoulin Jr., and Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat, who shared their strategies for enhancing public education in their districts.

 

Education Week News

Following the recent devastating fires, Palisades Charter High School is urgently seeking a new location for its 3,000 displaced students. The community is concerned about avoiding a repeat of the virtual learning experienced during COVID-19, as they value their strong sense of togetherness. Gov. Gavin Newsom has issued an executive order to assist in finding a suitable space for the school.

 

Daily Breeze

Los Angeles Times

Pasadena Star-News

The second-generation Jouley from Thomas Built Buses marks a significant advancement in electric school bus technology. Building on the success of the original Saf-T-Liner C2 Jouley, the latest model incorporates customer feedback to enhance efficiency, performance, and serviceability. Key features include the innovative 14Xe eAxle from Accelera by Cummins, which simplifies maintenance by integrating essential components and eliminating the traditional driveshaft. The design not only reduces energy loss and weight but also improves torque response and maneuverability.

 

School Bus Fleet

An annual survey by the School Nutrition Association reveals that school nutrition directors are grappling with significant challenges, including rising food, labor, and equipment costs. The poll, which included responses from around 1,400 cafeteria leaders, highlighted that only 21% of respondents believe federal reimbursements adequately cover lunch preparation costs. Additionally, 95% of programs without universal free meals reported carrying unpaid student meal debt. The survey also noted a concerning 72% of respondents facing employee vacancies, exacerbated by competition from gig economy jobs. Shannon Gleave, SNA President, emphasized the importance of healthy school meals, stating, “For less than the average price of a latte, school nutrition professionals are expected to prepare and serve a nutritionally balanced lunch.” As federal food policy changes loom, the future of school meal programs remains uncertain.

 

Education Week News

Avery Colvert, a 14-year-old from Pasadena, has initiated a donation drive called Altadena Girls to support teens affected by the Eaton fire. The effort has quickly gained traction, attracting nearly 32,000 followers and support from celebrities like Paris Hilton and Mindy Kaling. Many young girls, including Naohmi Ruiz, who lost her home, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to select clothing and beauty products, helping them regain a sense of normalcy. Social worker Jada Tarvin Abu-Bekr emphasized the initiative's importance in “restoring dignity and humanity” to those impacted.

 

Los Angeles Times