VCUSD hires first Executive Director of Fiscal Services – Times Herald Online

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By Sarah Rodriguez

Vallejo City Unified School District announced on Monday the hire of long-time educator, Dr. Paul Mansingh for the position of executive director of fiscal services.

Mansingh began the newly established role on Monday, as a result of consolidating two former director-level roles; Director of Audit and Compliance, and Director of Finance. Merging the two to create a single executive position is intended to “enhance operational efficiency and ensure strong stewardship districtwide,” says VCUSD Public Relations Manager, Maral Papakhian in a press release.

Source: VCUSD hires first Executive Director of Fiscal Services – Times Herald Online

SCC students earn scholarships for Million Black Business program | dailyrepublic.com

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Four Solano Community College students – Alexander Underwood, Jumari Dotson, Marcus Dukes and Darryl Johnson – have each been awarded a $25,000 scholarship as part of their acceptance into John Hope Bryant’s 1 Million Black Businesses program.

The scholarships are part of a competitive and prestigious national initiative that equips students with the tools needed to thrive as entrepreneurs. Award recipients will receive access to business development support, financial literacy coaching, credit-building strategies, entrepreneurial resources and mentorship from advisers.

Source: SCC students earn scholarships for Million Black Business program | News | dailyrepublic.com

State announces new resources to bolster biliteracy instruction – The Vacaville Reporter

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By Richard Bammer

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond and Gov. Gavin Newsom have released a comprehensive suite of resources designed to enhance literacy instruction and support teachers statewide in an effort to improve student outcomes, especially for young readers.

In a press statement, Thurmond said California Literacy-Biliteracy Professional Learning Pack “takes a significant step forward in providing educators with the tools they need to foster strong literacy and biliteracy development from the earliest years of learning as we move the needle on student achievement, particularly for our youngest readers.”

Source: State announces new resources to bolster biliteracy instruction – The Vacaville Reporter

By the shovelful, Kairos leaders celebrate start of a new high school – The Reporter

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Kairos Public Schools governing board members (from right to left) Jeff Fletcher, Riley Collins, Jessica Carvalho; school co-founders Leslie Shebley and Jared Austin, CEO and superintendent of KPS; and board members Adi Luna and John Corpus break ground Friday afternoon for the new Kairos high school at 850 Sunflower St. in Vacaville. The $7.5 million construction job, with an estimated completion date of July 2026, will be handled by Descor Builders and Studio W Architects. The new campus will house eight classrooms, science labs, collaboration spaces, a quad, and “innovative campus safety features,” among other things, Austin said in a press statement. Plans also call for a new football/soccer field and track. In remarks before the 2:30 p.m. groundbreaking, Shebley called the pending construction “a kind of historic moment” for Kairos, an independent charter school aligned with Vacaville Unified. Mayor John Carli characterized Kairos as “a strategic partner with Solano County,” with a new high school “that looks to the future.” (Richard Bammer/The Reporter)

Source: By the shovelful, Kairos leaders celebrate start of a new high school

KI Jones, Green Valley win Battle of the Books challenges | dailyrepublic.com

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Students celebrated reading and teamwork in friendly districtwide showdowns.

“The spirit of literacy, collaboration, and academic enthusiasm took over as students gathered for two much-anticipated 2025 FSUSD Battle of the Books events – one for elementary and one for middle school students,” the school district said in a statement.

The 2025 district champions were KI Jones Elementary School and Green Valley Middle School.

Source: KI Jones, Green Valley win Battle of the Books challenges | News | dailyrepublic.com

Griffin Technology Academies teacher headed out on the road | dailyrepublic.com

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Dan Peluso – astronomer, educator, researcher, media creator and singer-songwriter – will present and perform at events this summer.

He’s on the staff at Griffin Technology Academies in Vallejo where he teaches courses in astrophysics, mathematics and pop music songwriting, while developing interdisciplinary STEAM programs designed to engage students through both scientific inquiry and creative expression.

Peluso is particularly excited about integrating music and songwriting into the science curriculum, believing that artistic expression can inspire students (and the public) to explore complex scientific concepts in new ways.

Source: Griffin Technology Academies teacher headed out on the road | News | dailyrepublic.com

State Champions: The title has a nice ring to it for Vanden’s football program | dailyrepublic.com

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The last time the Vanden High School football team was fully assembled on a field was on Dec. 14, celebrating a wild, 42-21 overtime victory over Rio Hondo Prep in Long Beach that resulted in a CIF State Division 3-A championship.

Five months later, the Vikings were at George A. Gammon Field Wednesday night, again celebrating their historic achievement with a special memento. Players, coaches and support crew were awarded championship rings.

Source: State Champions: The title has a nice ring to it for Vanden’s football program | High School | dailyrepublic.com

Vacaville graduates take victory lap – The Vacaville Reporter

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By Nick McConnell

Graduation marks a milestone for high school seniors, much like Prom or Homecoming dances do, but many of Will. C. Wood High School’s soon-to-be graduates experienced a different kind of “homecoming” Thursday, as they embarked on a cap-and-gown tour of some of the elementary and middle schools they attended.

At Jean Callison Elementary School, the seniors loaded off buses and swaggered in through the main doors shortly before 11 a.m. to greet a colossal line of adoring elementary-aged fans. Callison students held their hands out for high-fives and craned their necks up at the faces of the graduates, getting a hopeful glimpse of what their futures may look like.

Source: Vacaville graduates take victory lap – The Vacaville Reporter

Former Benicia schools superintendent to return to district on interim basis – Vallejo Sun

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The Benicia Unified School District is planning to bring back a former superintendent to lead the district while searching for a permanent replacement.

The school board is expected to approve an employment contract for Janice Adams during its meeting Thursday. She would start the job on July 1, following the departure of Superintendent Damon Wright, who is leaving to lead the Santa Clara Unified School District.

Source: Former Benicia schools superintendent to return to district on interim basis

Offer versus Serve Waiver in the SFSP – Nutrition (CA Dept of Education)

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On May 13, 2025, the U.S. Department of Agriculture approved the use of a statewide waiver requested by the California Department of Education (CDE) for non-School Food Authority (SFA) Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) operators to utilize the offer versus serve (OVS) meal service option on a case-by-case basis. This waiver is effective May 1, 2025, through September 30, 2025. To utilize this waiver, sponsors must complete and submit an OVS attestation form and receive prior approval from the CDE before implementing the OVS meal service option.

Source: Offer versus Serve Waiver in the SFSP – Nutrition (CA Dept of Education)

Beloved Vallejo art teacher retires after 48 prosperous years – Times Herald Online

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By Sarah Rodriguez

Following four decades of teaching, Vallejo High School Art teacher Manuel Moreno is set to retire at the end of the current school year — perhaps swapping out his paint brushes for a fishing rod.

Although he’s not quite sure what retirement may bring, the decision to close out his life-long dedication to education did not come easy.

Known to many as “Mr. Moreno” or “Reno,” after 48 years in the Vallejo City Unified School District he feels like his students have gradually become family.

Source: Beloved Vallejo art teacher retires after 48 prosperous years – Times Herald Online

Green Valley teams set the pace in Middle School Track and Field’s finals | dailyrepublic.com

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By Matt Miller

Green Valley finished as the boys and girls team champions Tuesday at the Fairfield Suisun Unified School District K8 and Middle School Track and Field final at Armijo High School’s Brownlee Field.

Green Valley dominated the boys’ meet with 83.5 points. Public Safety Academy was second with 50.5 points and third went to B. Gale Wilson with 48 points.

The Green Valley girls edged out Suisun Valley 62 to 61.5. David Weir Academy was third with 57 points.

Source: Green Valley teams set the pace in Middle School Track and Field’s finals | Community | dailyrepublic.com

Fairfield High senior named 2025 Gates Scholar; earns full college funding | dailyrepublic.com

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Kristian Baisac, a graduating Fairfield High School senior, is a 2025 Gates Scholar, making her one of the 750 students across the country chosen for the award.

Almost 50,000 applications were received. The program provides full college funding for undergraduates.

She has officially committed to the University of Richmond and is on the wait list at Dartmouth College, her dream school.

Source: Fairfield High senior named 2025 Gates Scholar; earns full college funding | School | dailyrepublic.com

Groundbreaking for new Kairos high school, sports complex is Friday – The Vacaville Reporter

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By Richard Bammer

Groundbreaking for the new Kairos High School building and adjacent sports complex is set for 2 p.m. Friday at 850 Sunflower St., Vacaville.

Originally planned as a summertime event, the groundbreaking comes as Kairos, an independent charter school which currently enrolls nearly 800 students in TK-12 classes, keeps growing. It will enroll nearly 900 students in the coming academic year.

Source: Groundbreaking for new Kairos high school, sports complex is Friday – The Vacaville Reporter

Classified School Employees of the Year Honored – Year 2025 (CA Dept of Education)

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State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond honored nine outstanding classified school employees today for their dedication to California’s public school students. Nearly 100 people attended the special event in downtown Sacramento to honor the Classified School Employee of the Year (CSEY) winners, including the honorees and other classified school employees, superintendents, principals, administrators, and the event sponsors: the California School Employees Association (CSEA), SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, and the California State Lottery.

“I share my sincere thanks to these individuals for being such selfless parts of our school system. When people say it takes a village to raise a child, it’s true. Our classified school employees are a critical part of that village,” said Superintendent Thurmond. “They are the backbone of public education. Their hard work is what makes learning possible for our students.”

Source: Classified School Employees of the Year Honored – Year 2025 (CA Dept of Education)

SPI, Newsom: New Literacy-Biliteracy Resources – Year 2025 (CA Dept of Education)

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State Superintendent Tony Thurmond and Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the release of the California Literacy-Biliteracy Professional Learning Pack, a comprehensive suite of resources designed to enhance literacy instruction and support educators across the state in improving student outcomes, especially for young readers.

“Literacy is foundational to lifelong learning and academic success,” said Superintendent Thurmond. “With this release, California takes a significant step forward in providing educators with the tools they need to foster strong literacy and biliteracy development from the earliest years of learning as we move the needle on student achievement, particularly for our youngest readers.”

“In California, we know that learning to read is the start of the pathway to success. The Literacy Roadmap highlights our multifaceted approach to improving literacy for California’s students, including current and proposed initiatives,” Governor Newsom said. “When added to our other investments in literacy coaches and reading specialists at high-needs schools and professional development for teachers, we are doubling down on our commitment to ensure no student falls behind in their reading.”

Source: SPI, Newsom: New Literacy-Biliteracy Resources – Year 2025 (CA Dept of Education)

Vallejo, Jesse Bethel High schools getting new principals – The Vacaville Reporter

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By Thomas Gase

The Vallejo City Unified School District announced the hiring of a new assistant superintendent of human resources and principals for four schools, including Vallejo and Jesse Bethel high schools.

Beyonka Marshall will be the new principal at Vallejo High, while Rashena Bell Fesseha will take over at Jesse Bethel.

Matthew Chamberlain will be the new Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources. Jessica Frank is the new Principal at Pennycook Elementary, while Dr. Christi Glasco is the new principal at Highland Elementary.

Source: Vallejo, Jesse Bethel High schools getting new principals – The Vacaville Reporter

Solano College sends latest graduating class out to change the world | dailyrepublic.com

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Thursday night’s Solano Community College commencement was the second attended by Pete Sandoval.

The first was in 1967 to see his younger brother graduate. It was the first year the college was a countywide institution, but still four years before the current 192-acre main campus in Fairfield opened.

Two days later, Sandoval was on a transport ship headed to Vietnam.

Source: Solano College sends latest graduating class out to change the world | News | dailyrepublic.com

Data Shows Slowing Decline in School Enrollment – Year 2025 (CA Dept of Education)

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Today, the California Department of Education released 2024–25 school enrollment data on DataQuest, showing that the decline in public school enrollment has begun to slow.

While the overall decrease in school enrollment compared to prepandemic levels continues to be a source of strain on public schools, new initiatives such as Transitional Kindergarten (TK) show significant growth and signs of promise as local educational agencies (LEAs) work to reengage families, especially as California’s families experience increased economic hardship.

Source: Data Shows Slowing Decline in School Enrollment – Year 2025 (CA Dept of Education)

Edthena Announces Winners of the 2025 Teacher Leader Impact Awards – Cision PRWeb

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Winning teachers and teams of teachers from across the country recognized for their commitment to collaborative professional development and lifelong learning.

SAN FRANCISCO, May 22, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Edthena is announcing the winners of its 2025 Teacher Leader Impact Awards which recognize teachers and teams of teachers for their commitment to collaborative professional development, lifelong learning, and continuously improving their teaching practices. Selected from educators nationwide, winners are receiving a prize package that includes a cash prize, exclusive merchandise, and a school-wide subscription to the AI Coach by Edthena platform for the 2025-26 school year.

Source: Edthena Announces Winners of the 2025 Teacher Leader Impact Awards