A local community college is providing bachelor’s degrees for students — for free. West Valley-Mission Community College District is offering bachelor’s degrees in land stewardship and sustainability, as well as emergency services administration. As tuition is free for students living within the district’s service areas, this means they’re able to earn a four-year degree close...
East San Jose school district plans workforce housing
An East Side school district is moving forward on its efforts to provide affordable housing for teachers and other employees. Alum Rock Union School District’s $71.5 million bond known as Measure S is materializing five years after voters approved it to fund workforce housing and other capital improvements. Since then, affordable housing has worsened in...
Alum Rock trustees oppose ICE facility in South County
An East San Jose school district has joined a growing effort among local education leaders in opposing a planned federal immigration facility in South County. Supporters said it reaffirms the district’s commitment to protecting immigrant students and families. The Alum Rock Union School District board of trustees on Tuesday approved a resolution opposing the proposed facility in...
UPDATE: East San Jose school district delays controversial health contract
Leaders in an East San Jose school district have delayed approving a contract with a controversial healthcare provider to teach students relationship skills. At a special meeting Tuesday, the Alum Rock Union School District board of trustees voted 3-2 to postpone approving a two-year contract with RealOptions Obria to help give sixth grade students the...
San Jose artist preserves fading Mexican art form
The hummingbird hanging beside 13-year-old Autumn Medina isn’t just another painting. Its purple, blue and green feathers remind her of her grandmother, who loved hummingbirds and whose yard was filled with the tiny birds every summer. The painting is in the style of maque y la laca perfilada, a traditional lacquer art form from the Mexican state...
Silicon Valley students housed through college partnership
West Valley-Mission Community College District provides students living within its service area with free tuition, childcare and healthcare. Now it’s ensuring they have a safe place to lay their heads at night. The community college district is partnering with San Jose State University to provide beds for students facing housing insecurity. The community college district’s...
Foreign student visa restrictions to hit Silicon Valley
New federal regulations will restrict how long international students can attend U.S. colleges, and schools are scrambling to work through the problem as the fall semester begins. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has finalized a rule that limits most international students on F-1 visas and J-1 exchange visitor visas to a four-year education...
San Jose school district weighs workforce housing options
A local school district is finding itself in choppy waters as it weighs the best way to provide teachers and other employees with affordable housing. In 2024, the San Jose Unified School District issued a general obligation bond, Measure R, to fund the renovation of classrooms and facilities, as well as provide affordable housing for...
East San Jose school district hires new superintendent
A struggling East San Jose school district has a new leader at its helm. The Alum Rock Union School District has named Marnie Hazelton as superintendent for three years through June 30, 2029. She takes the reins from Interim Superintendent George Sanchez, who was temporarily hired to lead the district for the month of July....
East San Jose school district hires superintendent for one month
An East San Jose school board has appointed an interim leader — to serve for one month. The Alum Rock Union School District has hired George Sanchez as temporary superintendent to serve the struggling district during July. District leaders said Sanchez brings more than 30 years of experience in education from his time as a...