Recently fired Superintendent of Schools Mary Ann Dewan’s request to be reinstated has been denied by the Santa Clara County Superior Court. The court said Dewan, who filed suit against the Board of Education last week, did “not adequately establish ‘some possibility’ she will ultimately prevail on the merits.” Dewan alleged the board had no...
Top Santa Clara County education leader sues
Santa Clara County Superintendent of Schools Mary Ann Dewan has filed a lawsuit against the county Board of Education after trustees voted to fire her in closed session. Trustees last week voted 4-2 behind closed doors to terminate Dewan’s contract “without cause upon 30 days written notice.” But Dewan has come back swinging as she seeks to...
Silicon Valley school board candidates divided on LGBTQ+ issues
Candidates running for a Silicon Valley school board shared starkly different viewpoints on LGBTQ+ issues at a forum this week, disagreeing on whether teachers should notify parents about children’s preferred pronouns and gender identity. There are two seats up for grabs in November on the five-member Franklin-McKinley School District board. Trustees Milan Balinton and George...
Silicon Valley students say their teachers need better pay
Hundreds of Prospect High School students marched out of class this week chanting, “What do we want? Teacher’s pay!” The walkout took place Tuesday across the Campbell Union High School District, a sea of students wearing red in support of their teachers’ demands for better pay and lower class sizes. The day of the walkout, teachers began “working...
Santa Clara County’s top education leader fired
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...