Coming to the United States from Jordan wasn’t easy for Iskander Doud. However, a Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) program ensured he didn’t fall through the cracks. “It was really hard moving here. Obviously, first of all, the language — I wasn’t able to communicate,” he said. “When I joined My Name, My...
San Jose: Panel decides two Evergreen schools will close this spring
After several weeks of discussion, an Evergreen School District committee tasked with selecting two schools to shutter before the next school year came to a decision during a meeting Wednesday. If the school district’s Board of Trustees approves the selections at its Feb. 13 board meeting, Laurelwood and Dove Hill Elementary schools will officially close after...
San Jose charter school to remain open after public outcry, board decides
A San Jose charter school accused of not catering to Latinos and disabled students will remain open after the Santa Clara County Board of Education voted to overturn a district ruling rejecting the school’s charter renewal. The board’s decision — a 5-2 vote — Wednesday came roughly three months after the Franklin-McKinley School District rejected Cornerstone Academy’s...
Evergreen college district sued over development deal’s collapse
Four months after threatening litigation, a prominent San Jose developer has sued a major community college district after negotiations over a swath of land stalled and a high-profile development deal fell apart. “I think this case will raise important issues about the relationship between developers and public entities and how they go about getting property...
Another charter school in East San Jose set to close
As the younger sister of a graduate of Summit Rainier, a charter school in East San Jose, junior Hailey Bui dreamed of walking across the graduation stage with her classmates next year. Now, she and her classmates are searching elsewhere to finish their high school careers after the abrupt news that the school is shutting...
Alum Rock Union School District extends superintendent’s contract
It’s been a tumultuous year for the Alum Rock Union School District (ARUSD), following months of scandals stemming from a long history of mismanagement and financial troubles. But just last week, the school board voted to extend Superintendent Hilaria Bauer’s contract for an additional three years, hoping her leadership will bring transparency and better ethical practices to the...
Angry, tearful parents plan to fight San Jose charter school’s closure
Parents, teachers and school officials at Cornerstone Academy Preparatory School — a kindergarten through eighth grade charter school in the Franklin-McKinley district — are surprised and disappointed by district board members’ recent decision to close the school. Roughly 150 parents filled the school’s cafeteria on Lucretia Avenue Tuesday night in search of answers and school officials...
San Jose: Three Evergreen elementary schools could close due to deficit
Citing low enrollment across its 15 elementary schools in East San Jose, the Evergreen School District Board of Trustees voted 4-1 this week to embark on a plan that would potentially close or consolidate two schools next year and a third school the following year. After roughly 45 minutes of discussion during a meeting Thursday, Trustee...
San Jose Unified School leaders vote to study sites for affordable teacher housing
At a funding rate just short of $12,000 per student per year, San Jose Unified School District officials say they struggle to pay teachers enough to stay in Silicon Valley, one of the nation’s costliest housing markets. Now, district leaders are exploring solutions that include building affordable teacher housing on district property — a concept...
Lawmakers, tech and nonprofit leaders discuss the plight of Silicon Valley teachers
In the heart of tech-fueled wealth in Silicon Valley, teachers are living in their cars, working side jobs or living in crowded apartments with multiple roommates. Cameron Clarno, a choir teacher at Fischer Middle School, has lived in an RV since the start of the school year after moving from his 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home in Redding....