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Friday, April 12, 2013

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Education Headlines

Friday, April 12, 2013

Stockton Unified awaits solar decision

Solar energy systems at roughly one-third of Stockton Unified's 50-plus facilities could start to go online in a little more than one year, an initiative officials say would produce a first-year savings to the general fund of more than $600,000.

Parents, teachers ask San Luis Coastal to spare counselors from cuts

Teachers, students and parents continue to implore San Luis Coastal trustees to take elementary school counselors out of the planned budget cuts.

District suspends over-the-line following teen's death in P.E.

Ramona Unified Superintendent Robert Graeff said Thursday that over-the-line has been suspended as a physical education activity following the death of Taylor Dorman, who had been playing the game a day earlier.

UTLA delivers no-confidence vote to LAUSD superintendent John Deasy

LAUSD's teachers union issued an overwhelming vote of no-confidence Thursday in the leadership of Superintendent John Deasy as he finishes his second year, while a rival survey released by civil rights groups showed strong support for his reform strategies and called for an even more aggressive approach to improving student achievement.

Frey: Hoping for a compromise, Senate committee puts adult ed decision on hold

With clear signals from the Department of Finance that the Brown administration will at least discuss changes to its controversial proposal to shift all responsibility for adult education to community colleges, a Senate subcommittee has delayed a vote on the proposal in the hopes that all sides of the debate can agree on a compromise.

Ramanathan: For kids’ sake, let’s not distract attention from Common Core

The promise of the Common Core will not be fulfilled without a commitment to broad implementation from the very stakeholders who once collaborated to implement the California standards and attack the reading crisis.

Former Twin Rivers employee files $3 million claim against district

Sherilene Chycoski, who worked for Twin Rivers Unified School District as the visual and performing arts director, is seeking $3 million from the district for alleged discrimination, harassment and retaliation.

Students at Sacramento school read to dogs to improve skills

Karina Hernandez sat on a classroom floor at Ethel I. Baker Elementary in Sacramento on Thursday and read aloud from one of the "Henry & Mudge" children's books. Karina's audience: four-legged Grace, a large, friendly Labradoodle reprising her role as a "Reading Ambassador Dog," or RAD, and a mainstay of the class.

Committee: H.B. district's finances in 'dire shape'

An Ocean View School District budget advisory committee reported to the board of trustees that the district must make $5.6 million in cuts for the next fiscal year.

District suspends over-the-line following teen’s death in P.E.

Ramona Unified Superintendent Robert Graeff said Thursday that over-the-line has been suspended as a physical education activity following the death of Taylor Dorman, who had been playing the game a day earlier.

Oakland school board begins work to replace superintendent

Oakland Unified School District board members took the first baby step during the Wednesday board meeting to finding a replacement for Superintendent Tony Smith, starting what likely will be a multimonth journey that could continue past the end of the school year.

Mt. Diablo trustees meet regarding employee discipline or dismissal

The Mt. Diablo school board met in closed session Thursday evening and agreeed to give directions to staff related to possible action on employee discipline, dismissal, release or complaint related to two contracted employees.

L.A. teachers vote 'no confidence' in Supt. Deasy

In a referendum, 91% disapproved of the superintendent, the teachers union says. A measure sharply criticizing the union's leadership and laying out priorities passes too.
Thursday, April 11, 2013

Calaveras Unified trims staff as enrollment dips

Calaveras Unified trustees this week voted unanimously to send layoff notices to three part-time classified employees - a van rider, a custodian, and a yard duty worker. The district's teaching staff is also going to be smaller, with five fewer teachers reporting to district classrooms when a new school year begins late this summer, according to District Superintendent Mark Campbell.

School merger study nixed

The Sonora Area Foundation has turned down the Tuolumne County Office of Education’s request for a study on merging Summerville High and Sonora High into one district, the latest setback for advocates of school district reorganization.

Coachella Valley Unified silent on Jose Ramirez future

Although at least one assistant principal feared he would be transferred from his post during a Coachella Valley Unified school board meeting on Tuesday night, the board did not approve any such move, the district superintendent said.