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Thursday, March 21, 2013

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Education Headlines

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Closing 'achievement gap' still a challenge, county schools chief says

Closing the so-called achievement gap remains a challenge for the county's 10 public school districts, county schools Superintendent Julian Crocker said Wednesday at an annual education forecast hosted by the San Luis Obispo County Office of Education.

West Covina Unified settles wrongful termination suit with former superintendent

The West Covina Unified School board has resolved its dispute with a former superintendent, who nearly two years ago slapped the district with a lawsuit alleging wrongful termination, discrimination and sexual harassment.

Fensterwald: Legislative Analyst urges conditions on selling property

The Legislative Analyst’s Office is taking issue with Gov. Jerry Brown’s proposal to remove restrictions limiting how school districts can use money from the sale of district property.

Students to unveil Temecula Valley's new theater

The new theater debuts after eight years of delays, with a price tag of just less than $14 million. And it gives the campus its first true space dedicated to performing arts after years of sharing the school's gymnasium with the athletic department.

Palm Springs Unified School District gets energy lesson

Palm Springs Unified School District has launched a project that will install solar panels at 10 schools and the district service center, potentially saving more than $25 million by stabilizing power expenses over the next two decades.

Fresno Unified urged to change student-discipline policies

Students pushing for a restorative justice program for Fresno Unified schools implored trustees Wednesday night not to wait to reform discipline policies that they said are too harsh and lead to students dropping out of school.

Budget subcommittee rejects Brown's bid to shift adult ed

An Assembly budget subcommittee voted Tuesday to reject Gov. Jerry Brown's proposal to shift adult education responsibilities from K-12 school districts to the California Community Colleges system.

Fired Twin Rivers administrator claims retaliation, seeks $3.9 million from district

Siegrid "Ziggy" Robeson, who was fired as Twin Rivers Unified's deputy superintendent, is seeking $3.9 million from the school district for what she says was a campaign of retaliation that included a fabricated drunken driving report.

District considers how to use bond savings

At least one member of the Fullerton School District's Board of Trustees says 100 percent of the savings realized from a bonds-refinancing measure should be passed along to taxpayers. The district's staff, meanwhile, is recommending a 60-40 split in the district's favor, with its portion funding school improvements.

Special-needs student's family upset district is pursuing appeal

The family of a special-needs student snared in a drug sting at a Temecula high school voiced frustration this week that the school district is planning to appeal a judge's decision to halt his expulsion.

Schools warned about meningitis

Campus nurses and principals in schools across San Diego County have been put on alert following a deadly outbreak of meningitis in Tijuana.

Del Mar school board approves spending cuts

School officials in Del Mar approved a list of spending cuts Wednesday that includes layoffs, reduced hours for some employees and less training next year.

Riley: New teacher assessment: much promise, many questions

So what exactly is the Teacher Performance Assessment? That’s not an easy question to answer, actually, unless you are willing to spend some quality time spelunking through obscure corners of state government and university websites.

LAUSD preschools to get $7 million in security upgrades

More than six dozen Los Angeles Unified preschools will get safety upgrades, including security gates equipped with video cameras, under a $7 million plan approved Tuesday by the school board.

Fensterwald: Ed Committee backs crackdown on interest-deferred bonds

Despite opposition from several education organizations, the Assembly Education Committee on Wednesday voted 6-0 for a bill that would severely restrict school districts’ ability to float construction bonds that would saddle future taxpayers with huge balloon payments.

Oakland school board revokes charter of embattled American Indian Model Schools

The Oakland Unified School District narrowly voted to revoke the charter of the embattled American Indian Model Schools despite a lengthy and passionate defense by pupils, parents and AIMS board members who vowed to take the decision to Gov. Jerry Brown if necessary.

Incubator School in L.A. sparks discord over location, teachers

The pilot middle school, which is slated to open next year but lacks a site, will teach students how to launch a business in addition to academics.

New California public school reading list includes LGBT-friendly books

The California Department of Education this week released its latest list of recommended reading for K-12 students, including some newly published works that address immigration and sexual identity issues.
Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Lincoln Unified focuses on special-needs adults

Responding to a need that has been growing steadily for years, Lincoln Unified School District has moved to establish a program that will serve the district's young adults with special needs by preparing them to work and live with greater independence.

Wiring students at school and home Stockton USD goal

Following up on last year's large-scale purchase of computers for the district's K-5 classrooms, Stockton Unified School District Superintendent Steve Lowder said administrators are working on acquiring more technology for students from low-income backgrounds.

West Covina Unified avoids layoffs through retirement incentives

The West Covina Unified School District appears to be on its way to balancing its budget without teacher layoffs.