May Fair scholarships awarded to 7 Solano County students – Daily Republic

Natalie Victorine, a 2021 Dixon High graduate, was awarded the top agriculture scholarship from the Friends of the Dixon May Fair.

Victorine, who will major in agricultural communications this fall at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, received the $3,000 Ester Armstrong Scholarship. The award is named after the industry veteran and 2006-09 interim chief executive officer of the Dixon May Fair, who died of cancer.

Six other Solano County students will share the remaining $9,000 in scholarships awarded, the Dixon May Fair group announced in a statement.

Source: May Fair scholarships awarded to 7 Solano County students

Fairfield-Suisun school trustees extend employment agreements for top brass – Daily Republic

By Susan Hiland

The Fairfield-Suisun School District governing board voted Thursday to adopt updated employee agreements for several employee groups.

Assistant Superintendent Sheila McCabe’s contract agreement will be extended through June 30, 2023. It was done with much praise from the board for all of her contributions to the district.

“She has been professional in her role (all of them), she represents us well,” said board President Jonathan Richardson. “She pushes back at times but eventually people come around because they know what she is doing.”

Source: Fairfield-Suisun school trustees extend employment agreements for top brass

Jesse Bethel High replaces Cusi with Wollenweber as principal – Times-Herald

By Thomas Gase

Kirsten Wollenweber has been named the new Jesse Bethel High principal and will replace Dr. Ramon Cusi, who decided recently to resign for “personal reasons” after three years at the helm.

Wollenweber comes to the school with a lot of experience, having been the associated principal at Pittsburg High for the past two years. She began her career at Pittsburg in 1999 at Foothill Elementary where she worked as a teacher and an Early Literacy Coach. She became an administrator in 2004 with the Albany Unified School District. In 2007 she was an assistant principal at Pittsburg High School, and in 2011 was appointed Principal of Marina Vista Elementary School.

She earned her bachelor’s degree in sociology from UC Santa Barbara, her master’s degree in educational leadership and her administrative services credential from St. Mary’s College.

Source: Jesse Bethel High replaces Cusi with Wollenweber as principal – Times-Herald

FSUSD hires two new communications staffers – The Reporter

By Richard Bammer

The Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District recently hired two staffers, a director of communications and community engagement and a new public information officer, it has been announced.

Abigail Hilliard has been named communications manager and public information officer for the sprawling district, the county’s largest, with some 22,500 students across 30 campuses.

And Jaden Baird has been selected as the district’s executive director of administrative services and community engagement.

Officials said in a press statement that Hilliard’s diverse background in both communications and elementary education made her a standout candidate “and an excellent match for the needs of the district.”

Source: FSUSD hires two new communications staffers – The Reporter

FSUSD appoints Laneia Grindle Assistant Superintendent of Business Services – Daily Republic

By Kris Corey

The Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District Governing Board unanimously approved the appointment of Laneia Grindle to the role of Assistant Superintendent of Business Services at a board meeting held June 24th.

Following a rigorous recruitment and application process that considered candidates from across the state and nation, Grindle rose to the top of the candidate pool. Selected as one of four outstanding finalists, Grindle participated in a panel interview led by representatives from School Services of California. Insight and feedback was provided by representatives of FSUSD’s employee organizations, school sites, department leads, and the Bond Oversight Committee. After being thoroughly vetted with extensive reference checks and a final interview with the executive cabinet, Grindle was recommended for appointment.

Source: Press Release: FSUSD appoints Laneia Grindle Assistant Superintendent of Business Services

Solano Community College shares new anti-hate video – Daily Republic

By Matt Miller

Solano Community College shared a new video with the community Thursday, pledging its continuing stance against racism and hate at all of its campuses.

Produced by James Thomas Media, the owner a Solano graduate himself, the two-minute video features faculty, staff and student leaders of many races in groups and individually.

Source: Solano Community College shares new anti-hate video

Ed Dept says it will issue a new Title IX regulation | Higher Ed Dive

By Jeremy Bauer-Wolf

DeVos’s rule, which took effect in August 2020, was loathed among advocates for sexual assault survivors. It transformed colleges’ Title IX processes into judiciary-style procedures requiring both parties to be able to cross-examine the other through a surrogate. It also limited the sexual violence cases institutions would need to investigate, including many off campus.

Biden on the campaign trail promised to strike down the rule and has taken steps to do so. He released an executive order in March calling for a review of the Title IX regulation. This month, the Education Department held five days of virtual hearings to accept feedback on the administration’s approach to Title IX.

Source: Ed Dept says it will issue a new Title IX regulation | Higher Ed Dive

California school districts receive unprecedented windfall but lack teachers to help students catch up – The Reporter

By Diana Lambert, EdSource

California schools collectively have billions of state and federal dollars to spend on programs to help students catch up on the learning they lost while school campuses were closed. But many districts do not have enough fully qualified teachers to fill regular classrooms, let alone to launch new academic programs this fall.

The state’s schools have struggled with teacher shortages for years, especially in the areas of special education, math, science and bilingual education, but the problem has worsened since the pandemic began. Research by the Learning Policy Institute, which consisted of interviews with district leaders from eight of the largest and nine of the smallest school districts in the state, found that the number of teacher candidates earning credentials declined during the pandemic.

Source: California school districts receive unprecedented windfall but lack teachers to help students catch up – The Reporter

FSUSD Names Jaden Baird as New Executive Director of Administrative Services & Community Engagement – Daily Republic

By Kris Corey

As the Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District continues to pursue the expansion of its special programs and community relations, it has selected Jaden Baird to lead the charge. Baird’s proven track record for maximizing the potential of and participation in public programs underscores his unique value to the community.

Baird’s affirmation by the Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District’s Governing Board on May 27, 2021, followed an extensive vetting process, including a paper screening panel, two technical panels, a community panel, and a final interview with executive cabinet members.

Source: Good News: FSUSD Names Jaden Baird as New Executive Director of Administrative Services & Community Engagement

FSUSD Appoints Abigail Hilliard to the Role of Communications Manager & Public Information Officer – Daily Republic

By Kris Corey

Following a rigorous evaluation process, in which several highly qualified candidates were reviewed by both paper screening and community panel, the Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District has selected Abigail Hilliard as its new Communications Manager & Public Information Officer. Hilliard’s diverse background in both communications and elementary education made her a standout candidate and an excellent match for the needs of the district.

“Throughout the application process, Abigail’s passion for public service and vision for expanding community outreach set her apart. Her breadth of experience is custom-tailored to this new role, and we are excited to utilize her innovative communications know-how to better partner with our community of learners and leaders.”

Source: Good News: FSUSD Appoints Abigail Hilliard to the Role of Communications Manager & Public Information Officer

SCOE accepting applications for new members of Solano Youth Coalition – The Reporter

Solano County Office of Education is accepting applications for new Solano Youth Coalition (SYC) student members. SYC engages students in open conversations and collaboration among a new generation of youth advocates and is open to youth residing in Solano County, ages 14-21 years old, who are attending school full time.

The mission of SYC is to raise awareness and advocate for safe and healthy choices in Solano communities. The student-based coalition educates peers and community members on issues surrounding alcohol, tobacco and other drugs preventions, mental health awareness, violence prevention, social justice and racial equity. The coalition strives to build positive and healthy youth-adult partnerships as well as engage youth in being active leaders.

Source: Solano County Office of Education accepting applications for new members of Solano Youth Coalition – The Reporter

3 Rodriguez High nominees earn appointments to US military academies – Daily Republic

Three Rodriguez High School graduates are among those accepted to one of the nation’s military service academies.

Rep. John Garamendi, D-Walnut Grove, held a virtual ceremony Thursday for the 10 students accepted from his 3rd Congressional District.

Phoenix Sheppard is headed to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York. Jason Booker and Angad Takhar are off to the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Source: 3 Rodriguez High nominees earn appointments to US military academies

School district refinances bonds to save taxpayers $2M – Daily Republic

The Fairfield-Suisun School District refinanced its 2012 general obligation refunding bonds to save district property owners $2 million in taxes.

This is the second time in two years the district has refinanced at a lower interest rate. The first refinance was completed in 2012. The original bonds, issued in 2004, were authorized by voters in a 2002 election. The proceeds were used to provide renovated classrooms, repair aging school facilities and relieve overcrowding with new classrooms.

Source: School district refinances bonds to save taxpayers $2M

Restaurant Resiliency Program Meal Distributions at FSUSD Family Resource Center – Daily Republic

By Kris Corey

Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District is teaming up with the Workforce Development Board and Solano Small Business Development to provide hot meals prepared by local restaurants to families impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Restaurant Resiliency Program, created by Wells Fargo, will fund hot and nutritious meals from Fairfield and Vallejo restaurants for families and individuals experiencing homelessness or financial hardship. The FSUSD Anna Kyle Elementary Family Resource Center will oversee the distribution of meals.

Source: Press Release: Restaurant Resiliency Program Meal Distributions at FSUSD Family Resource Center

FSUSD Refinances Bonds, Saves Taxpayers More than $2 Million – Daily Republic

By Kris Corey

The Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District refinanced its 2012 General Obligation Refunding Bonds to save District property owners over $2 million in taxes.

This is the second time in the last two years the District has taken advantage of incredibly low interest rates to save taxpayers money. It is also the second time the District has refinanced these specific bonds. The first refinance of these bonds was completed back in 2012, also to save property taxpayers money. The very original bonds, issued in 2004, were authorized by Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District voters at an election in 2002. The proceeds of those bonds were used to provide renovated classrooms, repair aging school facilities, and relieve severe overcrowding by constructing new classrooms.

Source: Good News: Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District Refinances Bonds, Saves Taxpayers More than $2 Million

Wednesday Club honors 3 with scholarships – Daily Republic

The Wednesday Club honored its three scholarship recipients at its June meeting.

The nursing scholarship recipient is Jessica Robertson. She received her bachelor’s degree after attending San Francisco State University and transferring to UC Davis.

She also attended San Diego Mesa College for Medical Assisting and has worked as a medical assistant while going to school.

Source: Wednesday Club honors 3 with scholarships

Armijo grad Grijalva earns All-America honors after second-place finish in NCAAs – Daily Republic

By Paul Farmer

About the only thing Luis Grijalva of Northern Arizona University didn’t do was win the race, though he unexpectedly came close to doing that as well.

The Armijo High graduate finished second in the men’s 5,000-meter run at the NCAA National Track and Field Championships in Eugene, Oregon, June 11, and in doing so obliterated his personal best in the event by nearly 16 seconds (15.88).

With his second-place finish, Grijalva earned his second All-America first team distinction in the past three months, having earned the honor in cross country in March. With his time of 13 minutes, 13.14 seconds, he eclipsed the Olympic ‘A’ standard of 13:13.50 and broke the school and Big Sky Conference records set by NAU alum Diego Estrada in 2013 (13:15.33).

Source: Alumni Update: Armijo grad Grijalva earns All-America honors after second-place finish in NCAAs

SCC biotechnology students get summer of career prep – The Reporter

By Nick Sestanovich

As home to Genentech and several other large biotechnology companies, it should be no surprise that Vacaville is building its reputation as a hub for the growing industry of biotech. In fact, Solano Community College’s Vacaville campus and its adjoining 300 acres for planned expansion were given the name California Biomanufacturing Center last fall.

With this growing expansion of the biotech industry comes the need for more jobs. As SCC is one of the few community colleges to offer bachelor’s degrees in biotechnology and bio manufacturing, it is continuing to ensure students are on a steady career path through its 10-week Biotechnology Boot Camp.

Source: SCC biotechnology students get summer of career prep – The Reporter

SCOE offers free Pre-Kindergarten Academies – Times-Herald – California News Times

The Solano County Board of Education is affiliated with First 5 Solano, Greater Vallejo Recreation District, and First 5 Center.

The office will host a free Prikindergarten Academy for children with little or no preschool experience living in Vallejo.

There are two sessions, June 7th to July 1st and July 5th to July 30th, both sessions from 8:30 am to noon.

Source: Solano County Office of Education offers free Pre-Kindergarten Academies – Times-Herald – California News Times

Fairfield council says thanks to Fairfield-Suisun School District – Daily Republic

By Todd R. Hansen

The City Council on Tuesday proclaimed June 15 as Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District Appreciation Day – noting the district’s efforts to allow the council and other city panels to use its boardroom for meetings.

The council chamber was not available due to renovation.

“Whereas with the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic on March 14, 2020, FSUSD worked tirelessly to assist the city in making certain all safety protocols were followed so the meetings could continue safely,” the proclamation signed by Mayor Harry T. Price states.

Source: Fairfield council says thanks to Fairfield-Suisun School District