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Thursday, November 14, 2013

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San Diego schools lag on tech program



Education Headlines

Thursday, November 14, 2013

Ventura schools look to broaden ban on tobacco products

Ventura schools are taking steps to expand their anti-tobacco policies to prevent students from getting hooked on devices that mimic smoking, such as electronic cigarettes.

Simi Valley school board approves first step toward bond measure

As bond-funded work at Simi Valley schools starts winding down, school board members agreed Tuesday night on a first step toward launching a bond campaign.

Linden Unified set to begin interviewing candidates

Interim Superintendent Leo Zuber said the district has identified four finalists who will be interviewed today and Friday by district trustees and a community panel.

Tracy Unified superintendent to call it a career

James Franco, superintendent of the 17,000-student Tracy Unified School District since 2002 and a district employee for 26 years, announced his retirement this week effective at the end of the school year in June.

Rowland Unified board puts off any action on superintendent's contract

In a surprise move, the Rowland Unified School District school board unanimously decided not to consider the extension of its superintendent's contract Tuesday night.

Scholarships a priority for new Fontana superintendent Leslie Boozer

Fontana Unified School District Superintendent Leslie Boozer wants to dramatically boost the scholarship funding the district's students receive annually.

Ocean View district, city at odds again after council action

Zoning changes to property near two Ocean View School District sites have reignited complaints about a lack of communication between the city and the district.

Chino Hills students punished for alleged "civil disobedience" related to transgender student law

At least two Chino Valley Unified high school students have been disciplined as tensions mount over California's law that will allow students access to programs and facilities based on the gender they identify themselves as.

Modesto High campus supervisor challenges firing

With a 6-0 vote, Modesto City Schools Board finalized its firing of a longtime Modesto High campus supervisor, but the legal wheels were already rolling to try to reverse the decision.

iPad use out of sync with L.A. charter school's philosophy

Ocean Charter, a school based on the Waldorf educational approach that strictly limits technology, is among the Los Angeles Unified School District schools to be provided iPads for student use.

Contra Costa County school board approves Summit K2 charter

The Contra Costa County Board of Education voted 4-1 on Wednesday in favor of a petition to open a Summit K2 Charter School in El Cerrito.

Adams: Possible repeal of transgender student law would not change existing protections

As efforts to overturn a new law allowing transgender students to use bathroom facilities and participate in sports teams consistent with their gender identity gain momentum, repeal of the law would have no impact on many existing policies protecting transgender rights in youth sports, according to legal advocates.

San Diego schools lag on tech program

More than 2,000 classrooms in San Diego are overdue for a technology makeover promised under a $344 million initiative that lacks any comprehensive analysis of its effectiveness five years after it was launched.

Schools fail to win restoration of anti-poverty funds

More than two dozen local schools face reduced funding next year as the Los Angeles school district concentrates dollars at campuses with a higher percentage of low-income students.
Wednesday, November 13, 2013

New principal tackles a tough school in Orange County

Spurgeon Intermediate in Santa Ana sits squarely in the center of one of the poorest ZIP Codes in Orange County. For years, it has consistently ranked one of the lowest-performing schools in the region. But early this year, things got even worse. Todd Irving was hired over the summer to keep Spurgeon under control.

Employee union accuses Conejo Unified of compromising student safety

The union that represents classified employees in the Conejo Valley Unified School District claims student safety and confidentiality are being compromised by district personnel cuts.

New law makes it harder for parents to resist child vaccines

School nurses in Orange County are preparing for a new state law that will make it harder for parents to opt out of vaccinating their children.