Outdated systems and equipment have impacted learning for some San Jose students. In some classrooms at Renaissance Academy at Fischer Middle School, temperatures have reached 88 degrees due to faulty air conditioning. In response, teacher Luvia Solis has to take her class outside, along with their desks and chairs. All school year I have been dealing...
Santa Clara County school ballot measures set to pass in all districts
Last updated 5 p.m. on Monday. The next update will be 5 p.m. on Tuesday. Santa Clara County voters are supporting education, with more than $24 million in parcel taxes and bonds heading toward approval following Tuesday’s primary election. With 94% of the vote tallied, the school ballot measures are all passing, including Fremont School...
Election 2022: Santa Clara County schools bank on voters to help students
There are four school district ballot measures coming before Santa Clara County voters in the June 7 primary election. Even though senior exemptions will be available and funds will not be used for administrative salaries, it will take either 55% or two-thirds voter approval for these various measures to pass. If the thresholds are not...
Silicon Valley homeless students could see guaranteed income
A state bill from a Silicon Valley legislator could bring hope and help to homeless high school students. Introduced by state Sen. Dave Cortese, Senate Bill 1341 provides $50 million to $75 million in aid to homeless youth. The bill aims to uplift about 15,000 high school seniors with guaranteed income of $1,000 per month for...
San Jose State students demand protection after sex abuse scandal
Holding signs saying, “Justice delayed is justice denied,” “Hire Title IX Staff Now” and “Justice for Survivors,” San Jose State University students are protesting for a safer campus. Students Against Sexual Assault are demanding the university’s Title IX office be fully staffed, more transparent and accountable after a federal investigation found the office lacking. Title...
FIRST 5 CEO works to support Silicon Valley children
A new CEO aims to bring expertise in whole-child-thinking to FIRST 5 Santa Clara County. Jennifer Kelleher Cloyd, 49, brings her experience as chief program officer and attorney at the Law Foundation of Silicon Valley to the youth-focused organization. She takes the helm from former longtime CEO Jolene Smith, who retired in 2021. FIRST 5...
San Jose State student housing protest turns into unexpected win
“Fight! Fight! Fight! Housing is a human right,” and “No more loans, give students homes,” shouted members of the Student Homeless Alliance as they marched across the San Jose State University campus on Wednesday. They stopped at places used by homeless students to shower or sleep, when something extraordinary happened. SJSU Interim President Dr. Stephen...
San Jose’s Cesar Chavez school shifts focus to early learning
For some East San Jose elementary students, next year will mean moving to another nearby school. The Alum Rock Union School District board of trustees voted unanimously on Thursday to turn Cesar Chavez Elementary School into an early learning center for children in preschool through kindergarten next year. Students in grades 1-5 will have to...
Silicon Valley high school grads could get universal basic income
In an effort to disrupt the cycle of homelessness in California, another population may be getting guaranteed funding: low-income high school seniors. State Sen. Dave Cortese’s recent bill SB 1341, which cleared the California Senate Education Committee last week, would provide $1,000 per month unconditionally to roughly 15,000 high school seniors who have experienced homelessness. This guaranteed income would start...
East San Jose school district to repurpose elementary campus
Students from a neighborhood elementary school in Alum Rock Union School District may have to relocate. The Alum Rock Union School District board of trustees will vote on April 14 whether to turn Cesar Chavez Elementary School into the Cesar Chavez Early Learning Center for children in preschool through kindergarten. Students in grades 1-5 would...