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As schools and colleges across the U.S. face a deadline to end diversity programs following a memo from the Trump administration, many institutions are choosing to resist. Leaders from various colleges, including Antioch University and Western Michigan University, have expressed their intent to maintain current diversity practices, stating that compliance is unlikely unless federal law changes. The memo, which aims to halt practices that treat individuals differently based on race, has been criticized as an overreach. While some education leaders are cautious, others are evaluating their diversity initiatives in light of the new guidance.

 

LA Daily News

SGV Tribune

The Sulphur Springs USD governing board has approved a blue color scheme for the new elementary school in the Skyline Ranch community. During the meeting, Josh Randall, deputy superintendent of business services, presented three options: green, brown, and blue, inspired by local homes. Board member Lori MacDonald expressed her preference for blue, stating it matched the community and the school's name, "Skyline." The motion for the blue scheme was made by Shelley Weinstein and seconded by MacDonald, passing with a 3-2 vote. Superintendent Catherine Kawaguchi noted that the board had initially leaned towards brown tones in January. The next steps involve advancing the design phase and finalizing environmental processes for the school site.

 

EdSource

Signalscv.com

Anthony (Tony) Corten, principal at Pacifica’s Ocean Shore School and a dedicated teacher for 17 years, has passed away unexpectedly. The Pacifica School District acknowledged his significant impact, stating, “Throughout his seventeen years of dedicated service... he touched the lives of countless students, families, and colleagues.” Corten is survived by his wife, Kelley, who runs Royal Bee Yarn Co. A GoFundMe page raised over $23,000 for his family within hours, reflecting the community's love. Cheryl Ammeter noted, “Tony was kind, wise, talented, and always happy to share his many gifts.”

 

Half Moon Bay Review

A lawsuit filed by the Californians for Equal Rights Foundation (CFER) challenges Fresno USD's Office of African American Academic Acceleration (A4), which aims to support African American students facing achievement gaps. The A4 initiative, with a budget of $12m for fiscal 2024, has served nearly 8,000 students, including 1,212 African American students. However, CFER claims the programs are discriminatory, stating, “All of the programs are described as being for African American students,” and that non-Black students were excluded. The lawsuit highlights ongoing racial discrimination in public schools and follows recent federal directives against race-based programs. Fresno Unified has not commented on the pending litigation but maintains its commitment to diversity and inclusion initiatives.

 

The Fresno Bee

United Teachers of Richmond gathered at a West Contra Costa school board meeting to protest significant staff cuts, with the board voting 3-1 to eliminate most of the proposed 177 positions. Sheryl Lane, executive director of Fierce Advocates, emphasized that “our students will suffer the most without the staff that is needed to provide them with an excellent education.” The district faces a budget crisis, needing to cut $32.7m by 2027 to avoid insolvency. Interim Superintendent Kim Moses noted that the cuts are essential for fiscal stability, stating, “It would be multiple millions of dollars of impact to the general fund if we don’t take action.” The decision has sparked outrage among educators and community members, who argue that the cuts will harm at-risk students.

 

EdSource

The Oakland Education Association, along with parents, is urging the district to reconsider proposed budget cuts that could lead to educator layoffs and program reductions. During a press conference, union president Kampala Taiz-Rancifer emphasized the need for alternatives to protect classrooms, stating: “It is critical to explore alternatives that keep cuts away from our classrooms.” The district faces a $95m deficit despite adding $90m in spending mid-year.

 

EdSource

Petaluma City Schools has approved budget cuts totaling approximately $2m for the upcoming school year, impacting vital positions including a school nurse. The Board of Trustees voted 4-1 to eliminate 5.4 certificated positions and eight classified positions, citing rising living costs and the end of COVID-19 relief funding as key reasons. Board president Mady Cloud remarked, “There is not one position that was affected that is not valued for its significant impact on our students.” The district hopes to secure alternative funding by mid-May to reinstate some positions, including the nurse, who has been crucial in managing an increase in student health issues, particularly Type 1 diabetes. If funding is not found, these positions will be permanently cut.

 

Signalscv.com

Press Democrat

The Pasadena USD Board of Education is set to vote on cutting around 150 full-time employee positions, including 117 certificated and 34 classified roles. Superintendent Elizabeth Blanco and Chief Business Officer Saman Bravo-Karimi attributed the cuts to declining enrollment, the end of COVID-19 relief funds, and rising costs. Jonathan Gardner, president of the United Teachers of Pasadena, highlighted that 115 teacher positions are included in the proposals, urging the district to explore savings in third-party contracts before resorting to layoffs. The final decisions on cuts will be announced on May 15.

 

Santa Cruz Sentinel

The Pasadena USD Board of Education is set to vote on cutting around 150 full-time employee positions, including 117 certificated and 34 classified roles. Superintendent Elizabeth Blanco and Chief Business Officer Saman Bravo-Karimi attributed the cuts to declining enrollment, the end of COVID-19 relief funds, and rising costs. Jonathan Gardner, president of the United Teachers of Pasadena, highlighted that 115 teacher positions are included in the proposals, urging the district to explore savings in third-party contracts before resorting to layoffs. The final decisions on cuts will be announced on May 15.

 

SGV Tribune

The Sulphur Springs USD's governing board has unanimously approved a 1% salary increase for teachers for the 2024-25 school year. Jay Greenlinger, assistant superintendent of personnel and pupil services, highlighted the positive relationship with the Sulphur Springs District Teachers' Association (SSDTA) that facilitated this agreement. Additionally, a similar 1% salary increase was approved for the Classified School Employees Association.

 

Signalscv.com

San Diego USD has officially ended its requirement for new employees to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination, following the conclusion of federal and state contact-tracing mandates. The board unanimously approved this change during a recent meeting, although some community members expressed concerns. Susan Barndollar, the district’s executive director of nursing, noted that the decision aligns with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's updated guidelines and the World Health Organization's declaration that COVID-19 is no longer a public health emergency. While the vaccination requirement has been lifted, the district will continue to maintain records of positive COVID-19 cases reported by employees.

 

EdSource

East Bay

Mercury News

California's student housing crisis is worsening as Feather River College and others struggle to secure state grants for new housing. The college, still recovering from the 2021 Dixie Fire, has seen a surge in demand, with over 80 students unable to secure housing this semester. College president Kevin Trutna noted, “Anything I get, I had to fight for,” reflecting the challenges faced by students like Larissa Griffith, a former foster youth who managed to secure a spot. With state funding unlikely, colleges are exploring public-private partnerships for housing solutions, but these often lead to higher rents. As Trutna stated, “We have no bond dollars available,” highlighting the urgent need for sustainable housing solutions in California's community colleges.

 

Press Democrat