Winters Youth Day is closing in fast | dailyrepublic.com

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Let your inner child out and play at Winters Youth Day.

Residents of Yolo and Solano counties can participate in the annual Winters Youth Day Main Parade, at 10 a.m. on April 26. There is no entry fee. Participants can compete for cash prizes, trophies and ribbons across a variety of award categories.

The shorter Kiddie Parade will begin at 9:45 a.m., while the 11th annual Duck Derby starts at 3:30. Adopt a duck at https://bit.ly/Ducks2025 for a chance to win and support a great cause.

Source: Winters Youth Day is closing in fast | News | dailyrepublic.com

SPI Announces 2025 Model SARB Recipients – Year 2025 (CA Dept of Education)

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State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced today that 19 school attendance review boards (SARBs) have been designated as model programs by the State SARB for exemplary practices that have contributed to reducing chronic absenteeism rates and improving student attendance.

“School attendance improvement programs are a critical tool to have children back in the classroom, which is an important part of academic success and social-emotional well-being, especially for our most vulnerable students,” said Superintendent Thurmond. “I commend each Model SARB as they voluntarily undertake the responsibility to serve as an example of best practices and extend technical assistance to other SARBs, school districts, and counties throughout California.”

Source: SPI Announces 2025 Model SARB Recipients – Year 2025 (CA Dept of Education)

Santa Clara Unified Welcomes New Superintendent Dr. Damon Wright – The Silicon Valley Voice

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Welcome to Santa Clara Dr. Damon Wright, the new Superintendent of the Santa Clara Unified School District. The Board of Trustees announced and approved the hiring of Dr. Wright on Thursday, April 10, and his work is scheduled to begin on July 1.

Dr. Wright has over 25 years of experience and is currently the Superintendent of Schools for the Benicia Unified School District. He began his career supporting elementary students as a guidance assistant, later serving as a school counselor and school psychologist before racking up an impressive resume with many accomplishments in a variety of roles.

Source: Santa Clara Unified Welcomes New Superintendent Dr. Damon Wright – The Silicon Valley Voice

High schoolers learning about health of area creeks | dailyrepublic.com

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Solano County high school students are evaluating the health of local creeks this spring as part of the Solano Resource Conservation District’s Solano County Biomonitoring Program.

“From identifying hundreds of macroinvertebrates found in a creek’s substrate to measuring the levels of dissolved oxygen in the water, students get a taste of authentic scientific field work while contributing to a sixteen-year-long data set recording biological and chemical data from the county’s waterways,” the district said in a statement.

Source: High schoolers learning about health of area creeks | News | dailyrepublic.com

Pinwheels at City Hall act as reminder that child abuse remains an issue | dailyrepublic.com

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More than 200 purple pinwheels were place around the Fairfield City Hall complex Monday morning following a brief presentation recognizing April as Child Abuse Prevention Month.

However, the pinwheels represented just 25% of all the calls Child Protective Services received over the past year.

Fairfield Police Chief Dan Marshall said not every call and investigation results in a case of abuse or neglect, and, on the positive, the call volume likely reflects the greater awareness the Solano County communities have for reporting suspicious activity.

Source: Pinwheels at City Hall act as reminder that child abuse remains an issue | News | dailyrepublic.com

Rubén Fernández is new at Vallejo school district – Times Herald Online

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The Vallejo City Unified School District has named Rubén Fernández as its new Assistant Superintendent of Business Services and Operations.

Fernández began his new job on Monday. His extensive experience in school district finance, operational leadership and strategic planning to the role aims to be vital as he will oversee the district’s financial and business operations. This includes the bond program, as well as him ensuring fiscal responsibility and operational efficiency to provide safe, clean, and appropriate facilities, learning environments, and transportation services to enhance student achievement.

Source: Rubén Fernández is new at Vallejo school district – Times Herald Online

Measure R bond sale, Vanden turf replacement on TUSD agenda – The Vacaville Reporter

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By Richard Bammer

The sale of $21 million in Measure R obligatiion bonds and turf replacement for the Vanden High stadium are on the agenda when Travis Unified leaders meet tonight in Fairfield.

Gabe Moulaison, the school district’s chief business officer, will recommend the governing board approved a resolution to greenlight the sale of the bond money, noting in agenda documents that the sale will not affect the district’s General Fund.

Source: Measure R bond sale, Vanden turf replacement on TUSD agenda – The Vacaville Reporter

National Library Week offers family, adult fun | dailyrepublic.com

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National Library Week kicks off Sunday with special events planned through April 12.

The Solano County Library invites the community to celebrate and recognize the vital role libraries play in connecting, inspiring and supporting people of all ages.

From books and digital tools to storytimes, job support and creative programs, the library offers something for everyone. Whether you’re exploring new hobbies, starting a business, raising a family or planning your next chapter, the library can help.

Source: National Library Week offers family, adult fun | News | dailyrepublic.com

Students from 76 classrooms dip into water education | dailyrepublic.com

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Nearly 2,000 Solano County third-graders recently completed the 2024-25 Watershed Explorers Program.

“The Watershed Explorers Program is a valuable experience for our students, offering hands-on learning that deepens their understanding of local ecosystems and the importance of environmental stewardship.” Johnathan Lamb, a third-grade teacher at D.H. White, shared about the program. “Each year, our classes return because the program engages students in real-world science, fosters curiosity, and connects them to the natural world in meaningful ways. The knowledgeable staff and pre-field trip classroom lessons make the learning fun and exciting.”

Source: Students from 76 classrooms dip into water education | News | dailyrepublic.com

Solano County Hometown Heroes: A life of service to others defines Franklin – The Vacaville Reporter

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By Richard Bammer

She is a hero to many and, in multiple ways, exemplifies all the qualities of one: Selflessness, integrity, and unwavering resolve.

It’s clear within a few minutes of speaking to Renee Franklin that her actions reflect even more heroic qualities, among them a deep sense of duty, a desire to protect others, a belief in worthy causes, and doing for others without expecting a reward.

No surprise, congenial, courteous, humble in person, she is also a Vacaville finalist for the 2025 Solano County Hometown Hero, nominated on by readers of The Reporter. Other finalists will be revealed on following Sundays, followed by the Vacaville and Vallejo winners on May 4.

Source: Solano County Hometown Heroes: A life of service to others defines Franklin – The Vacaville Reporter

Will C. Wood will host memorial field dedication ceremony, Sunday, April 13 | dailyrepublic.com

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Vacaville Unified School District will hold a special Field Dedication Ceremony in honor of the late Jacob Wright, the beloved teacher, coach, and mentor who died in 2023.

The event will take place on Sunday, April 13, at 12:30 p.m. at the Will C. Wood Stadium. Gates will open at 12:15. The ceremony will commemorate Coach Wright’s legacy and impact on the Vacaville community.

The dedication will include the unveiling of a permanent plaque at WCW Stadium, as well as new signage above the press box that will bear the name “Jacob Wright Memorial Field,” alongside one of his most memorable sayings: “It’s a Great Day to be a Wildcat.”

Source: Will C. Wood will host memorial field dedication ceremony, Sunday, April 13 | High School | dailyrepublic.com

Travis Unified to consider selling $21M in bonds | dailyrepublic.com

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The Travis Unified Unified School District board will consider the sale of up to $21 million of Measure R General Obligation Bonds when it meets Tuesday.

It is one of four Business Service items on the agenda.

The others are the facilities priority list, extracurricular fields and turf replacement at the Vanden High School football field.

Source: Travis Unified to consider selling $21M in bonds | News | dailyrepublic.com

SPI Presents SB 48 Immigration Bill – Year 2025 (CA Dept of Education)

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Amid growing fear and tension among immigrant families and advocates nationwide, California Department of Education (CDE) State Superintendent Tony Thurmond presented a bill, Senate Bill 48 (Gonzalez), that will limit the presence of ICE agents on school campuses. Also today, Superintendent Thurmond hosted a webinar to promote the expansion of Dual Language Immersion (DLI) programs across California, affirming the importance of preparing students to succeed, compete, and lead in a multilingual, global economy.

SB 48, authored by Senate Majority Leader Lena Gonzalez (D-33), is sponsored by Thurmond to address safety concerns of immigrant families and protect school funding that is projected to decline in some parts of the state as attendance is suppressed as undocumented individuals fear deportation consequences at school. The bill is in direct protest to President Trump’s threats to lead mass deportation efforts at schools and houses of worship.

“We know that the fearmongering happening across our nation has disruptive impacts on children in our immigrant families, and it could cost California schools millions of dollars,” Thurmond said. California is one of a handful of states that still uses an average daily attendance system for attributing funding or the loss of funding to schools.

Source: SPI Presents SB 48 Immigration Bill – Year 2025 (CA Dept of Education)

Supervisors recognize Child Month; decry violence against children | dailyrepublic.com

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Child Month, and all its parts, was in the spotlight at Tuesday’s Solano County Board of Supervisors meeting.

“Each year … as part of April Children’s Month, community partners across Solano County join together to support activities and events that raise awareness about critical children’s issues, as well as celebrate and commemorate children,” the staff report to the board states.

The board, on a 4-1 vote with chairman Mitch Mashburn absent, also adopted a resolution recognizing April as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Solano County.

Source: Supervisors recognize Child Month; decry violence against children | News | dailyrepublic.com

Solano County’s top education executive announces retirement | dailyrepublic.com

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Solano County Superintendent of Schools Lisette Estrella-Henderson has announced her retirement effective Sept. 1.

It ends a 40-year career in education, nearly 21 of which at the Solano County Office of Education.

“There is not a single factor, but rather a number of factors, which led me to the conclusion that it is in the best interest of myself and my family to retire at this time,” Estrella-Henderson said in a statement. She did not specify those reasons.

Source: Solano County’s top education executive announces retirement | News | dailyrepublic.com

Kids Day at Pena Adobe set for Saturday – The Vacaville Reporter

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By Robin Miller

The Peña Adobe Historical Society will kick off the 2025 season with Kid’s Day at the Adobe at the Peña Adobe Park in Vacaville, on Saturday, April 5, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Families are invited to come see the historic Peña Adobe, one of the oldest structures in Solano County. Dating back to 1842, the Adobe was once the home of the Juan Felipe Peña family who, with the Vacas, settled in Vacaville more than 175 years ago. They will also meet Darlene Peña Coombs, a fifth- generation Peña descendant and be able to visit the Mowers-Goheen Museum and see local artifacts that include a woolly mammoth bone.

Fun activities including face painting, corn husk doll making and more.

Source: Kids Day at Pena Adobe set for Saturday – The Vacaville Reporter

SCOE Superintendent Estrella-Henderson to retire Sept. 1 – The Vacaville Reporter

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By Richard Bammer

Lisette Estrella-Henderson, the twice-elected superintendent of the Solano County Office of Education and a 40-year educator, will retire Sept. 1, it has been announced.

Her planned exit from her role that oversees an $88 million budget, support for charter schools and six unified school districts serving some 60,000 students will come 16 months before her term of office ends, information indicated in a press statement issued late Monday afternoon.

The Solano County Board of Education eventually will select a successor to complete the remainder of Estrella-Henderson’s term, and her decision comes “after thoughtful consideration and discussions with her family,” Jennifer Leonard, the SCOE public information officer, wrote in the statement.

Source: SCOE Superintendent Estrella-Henderson to retire Sept. 1 – The Vacaville Reporter

‘Isolated’ fire in VHS gym closet sets off alarms but is quickly contained – The Vacaville Reporter

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By Richard Bammer

A small “isolated” fire in Vacaville High School’s main gymnasium set off fire alarms Friday morning, prompting school staff members to make sure students were safe as firefighters made their way to the West Monte Vista Avenue campus.

In a press statement, Ana Maria Farina, director of communications for Vacaville Unified, said the alarms occurred during “passing,” as students were going to classrooms at about 10:30 a.m.

Vacaville firefighters responded quickly, determining the smoke stemmed from an “isolated fire in a closet near the locker room” in the Harold Youngblood Gymnasium, she added.

Source: ‘Isolated’ fire in VHS gym closet sets off alarms but is quickly contained – The Vacaville Reporter

Campus safety topic of special Travis Unified closed session | dailyrepublic.com

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The Travis Unified School District trustees have scheduled a special closed session meeting on Monday.

“Jason Johnson, campus safety consultations, will provide recommendations regarding safety training and protocols at TUSD,” the meeting agenda states.

It is not clear why this is being held in closed session. District policy is not typically an exemption to the state open meeting laws. The district could not be reached for comment on Friday.

Source: Campus safety topic of special Travis Unified closed session | News | dailyrepublic.com

VUSD board to vote on ‘addendum’ for federal funds – The Vacaville Reporter

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By Richard Bammer

Vacaville Unified leaders on Thursday will consider approving what’s called a “federal addendum” to the school district’s Local Control and Accountability Plan, outlining how federal dollars will be used to support specific groups of students, among them low-income, English learners and foster youth.

The addendum is required to ensure alignment with federal funding requirements under the Every Student Succeeds Act, or ESSA. It details how the district uses federal funds to support Title I, II, III, and IV programs, so that strategies and actions boost student achievement, promote educator equity, and address the needs of disadvantaged students, according to agenda documents.

Ali Eeds, director of secondary education, will make the presentation, then the governing board will be asked to consider approving the addendum.

Source: VUSD board to vote on ‘addendum’ for federal funds – The Vacaville Reporter