UPDATE: FCMAT » Cali Education Headlines Tuesday, November 19, 2013

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Oakland charter school battle rages

Education Headlines 

FCMAT provides links to California K-12 news stories as a service to the industry. However, some stories may not be accessible because of newspapers' subscription policies.

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Wasco names new superintendent

The Wasco Union Elementary School District has promoted director of categorical programs Kelly Richers to superintendent.

Oxnard school board OKs 1.5 percent raise for employees

The board approved an across-the-board salary increase of 1.5 percent for employees. For many employees, the raise is retroactive to July 1.

Common Core may change path to math

Traditionally, U.S. students studied algebra and geometry in compartmentalized courses starting with algebra 1, then proceeding to geometry and algebra 2. But as schools get ready for the Common Core standards, which officially take effect in the 2014-15 school year, officials must decide whether to stick with this system or use an integrated model.

Teacher who helped gay students sues Hesperia Unified to reclaim job

The teacher who helped high schoolers blow the whistle on administrators' treatment of gay students says she was fired in retaliation and is suing to get her job back.

San Fernando Valley charter schools unite to form advocacy council

After a change in Los Angeles Unified’s funding policy sent their numbers soaring, the 42 affiliated charter schools in the San Fernando Valley have formed an official council that will work as a bloc to communicate with district officials.

Vallejo: Apache mascot at high school may be changed

The Vallejo City Unified School District administration will recommend Wednesday that the school board approve changing the mascot of its namesake high school.

Banks: L.A. school board's us-versus-them dynamic doesn't help students

The polarizing question has become: Which poor children matter most in a district that can't call on much of a middle class?

Oakland charter school battle rages

Depending on who's talking, Oakland's charter school are filling the demands of parents for educational options or devastating an already cash-strapped school district. In reality, both are true. And that reality is setting up a battle between those wanting to open up even more charters and local critics,

Monday, November 18, 2013

Sonora Elementary readies for bond work

The Sonora School District Board of Trustees approved the first phase of the district's $8.8 million campus modernization project at its Wednesday evening meeting.

Long Beach Unified to open high school with hospitality and tourism focus

Just months after the opening of McBride High, Long Beach's first new public high school in 18 years, plans are moving forward on another new public high school in the city.

Coachella Valley High won't cast off Arab mascot

Coachella Valley High School will keep the “Arab” name, but the east valley school district will discuss revisions to the campus mascot with a national anti-discrimination group.

Capo OK's deal for $51 million school in Rancho Mission Viejo

Capistrano Unified School District trustees have approved a deal with Rancho Mission Viejo LLC for the company to provide land and pay for a majority of the building costs for a $51 million K-8 school in its newest housing development.

San Ysidro tries to limit testimony

Lawyers for the San Ysidro School District filed several motions last week in an $18 million lawsuit over solar installations, attempting to exclude any mention of cash handoffs, burning of district records or criminal charges against officials.

Vallejo district recommends changing school's Apache mascot

A Northern California school district is recommending that its main high school’s Apache mascot be changed. The Apache, adopted decades ago, has long been a sensitive issue for Vallejo High School, and altering it has been raised several times over the years, according to the Vallejo Times Herald. The matter will be decided at the board’s Wednesday meeting.

McRae: Education reform through the courts and why it’s necessary

In California – and in many other states – the Legislature has proven devastatingly ineffective at ensuring equal educational opportunity in our public schools and protecting the fundamental rights of students.