After surviving multiple attempts to get rid of her, Santa Clara County Superintendent Mary Ann Dewan was fired during a late-night meeting this week. The county’s Board of Education Trustees voted 4-2 behind closed doors Wednesday to oust Dewan. The action terminates Dewan’s contract “without cause upon 30 days written notice.” Board President Maimona Afzal...
Silicon Valley candidate says powerful state union pressured her to quit
A former member of California’s largest teachers union alleges the group pressured her to drop out of a local school board race. Jyl Lutes, a former teacher and Salinas councilmember who now lives in Campbell, said California Teachers Association representatives called her several times in June urging her to quit the race for the Trustee Area...
Silicon Valley community college district offers free tuition
West Valley College student Mike Katakis and his dad are among thousands of students who will earn part of their college education in Silicon Valley for free. West Valley-Mission Community College District’s tuition will be free for the next seven years for all students who live in San Jose, Campbell, Los Gatos, Monte Sereno, Santa...
New East San Jose superintendent to deal with school closures
A struggling East San Jose school district plans to close multiple campuses as it brings on a new superintendent to help guide officials through the difficult process. Due to a projected $20.8 million budget shortfall, along with declining enrollment, Alum Rock Union School District will have to close up to nine of its 21 schools....
Silicon Valley schools implement cell phone restrictions
San Jose schools are limiting cell phone use during classes in an effort to steer students away from the ongoing stress of screen time toward better academic performance and wellness. In response to students distracted from learning by social media, texts and notifications, local schools are stepping up cell phone policies. This follows State Superintendent...
Former San Jose hotel houses 700 college students
Hundreds of college students will soon be able to call downtown San Jose home, thanks to the quick renovations of a historic hotel. Spartan Village on the Paseo, formerly the south tower of the Signia by Hilton hotel, will house roughly 700 San Jose State University students beginning this fall semester. About 120 beds will...
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San Jose school districts forced to consider campus closures
Declining enrollment rates are forcing school districts across San Jose to stare down campus closures and sharp budget cuts. California education data shows almost every school district in the city has faced enrollment declines over the past decade. Families are being priced out of San Jose because of increasing costs of living — and as...
Silicon Valley LGBTQ+ student safety at risk with state lawsuit
LGBTQ+ students in California will have legal protection against being outed at school starting next year, but not everyone’s on board — and a recent lawsuit could spell the bill’s end before it even begins. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the Support Academic Futures and Educators for Today’s Youth, or SAFETY Act, into law last month...
San Jose school bond could fund teacher housing
San Jose’s largest school district is counting on voters to approve more than $1 billion to upgrade facilities and house employees, which community advocates say is needed. The San Jose Unified School District (SJUSD) board of trustees approved putting a nearly $1.2 billion general obligation bond on the Nov. 5 ballot at a special meeting...
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San Jose parents want new leadership in largest school district
Parents and community advocates are calling for new leadership in San Jose’s largest public school district following a county report that highlights numerous issues — which the district disputes. Community members spoke Thursday at a San Jose Unified School District (SJUSD) board of trustees meeting, citing a Santa Clara County Civil Grand Jury report that...