Pamela Price, Title IX pioneer, to speak at Solano College – The Vacaville Reporter

Pamela Price, considered a Title IX pioneer, will speak at 5 p.m. Sept. 8 in the Solano Community College Theatre, Building 1200, 4000 Suisun Valley Rd., in Fairfield.

Title IX is the federal civil rights law that bans sex-based discrimination in educational programs that receive federal funding.

The lawyer is one of nine people who shaped Title IX and educational equity.

Source: Pamela Price, Title IX pioneer, to speak at Solano College – The Vacaville Reporter

Trustees hear updates on various Fairfield-Suisun programs – Daily Republic

By Susan Hiland

Students are embracing reading, with students and staff reading more than 355,000 books over the past school year, according to the presentation given Thursday to the Fairfield-Suisun School District board members.

Jenn Roush, assistant director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment, was one of several presenters at the meeting giving the board an overview of various programs within the school district.

Source: Trustees hear updates on various Fairfield-Suisun programs

Fairfield-Suisun trustees get overview of Measure J projects, eye future funding – Daily Republic

By Susan Hiland

Fairfield-Suisun School District trustees heard an overview Thursday of Measure J projects that have been completed and the final projects that need to be completed in coming years.

Measure J, a $249 million general obligation bond that’s being repaid through property tax assessments, was approved by voters June 7, 2016, with the third and final bond sale occurring Feb. 20, 2020. The presentation comes at a time when the school board is placing another property tax measure to finance future projects on the November ballot.

The Measure J projects started with the replacement of the synthetic tracks and fields in the stadiums at all three comprehensive high schools in 2016. The district has completed several projects and is in design for most of the final projects of the bond program.

Source: Fairfield-Suisun trustees get overview of Measure J projects, eye future funding

Napa-Solano Central Labor Council announces its endorsements – Times-Herald

By Thomas Gase

The Napa-Solano Central Labor Council (AFL-CIO), representing workers across both Napa and Solano counties, has confirmed its endorsements for November’s election.

Among those being endorsed are Diosdado “JR” Matulac (Vallejo City Council District 2), Chris Platzer (District 4) and Tara Beasley-Stansberry (District 5).

The organization also announced it has endorsed Glenn Amboy and John Fox for Vallejo School Board Districts 3 and 5. For Solano County Supervisors, the council is endorsing Wanda Williams (District 3), Dana Dean (Board of Education Area 3), Teresa Lavell (Solano County Board of Education Area 4) and Ginger L. Dunne (Solano County Board of Education Area 6).

Source: Napa-Solano Central Labor Council announces its endorsements – Times-Herald

California bill slowing school closure process heads to Newsom | National News | kpvi.com

By Madison Hirneisen

California lawmakers sent a bill to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk this week that would require cash-strapped school districts to run an “equity impact analysis” before closing a school.

If enacted, supporters say it will require school districts to be transparent about the impact of closures beyond the fiscal cost.

Lawmakers advanced Assembly Bill 1912 on Tuesday, which requires school districts to develop an equity impact analysis with metrics that analyze the condition of a school facility, the operating cost of the school, special programs available at the school, pupil demographics and transportation needs of students, among other things, before considering closure or consolidation.

Source: California bill slowing school closure process heads to Newsom | National News | kpvi.com

Solano Symphony’s 36th year includes public ‘Play-In’ during Vaca Arts Week – The Vacaville Reporter

By Richard Bammer

Just in time, as Solano County and the nation show signs of living with the pandemic and a return to a new idea of normal, Solano Symphony Orchestra leaders have laid out the sonic road map for their 36th year of concerts.

It all begins with an invitation to the public to strut their musical stuff.

As usual, the orchestra’s 2022-23 season, led by longtime conductor and musical director Semyon Lohss, features five concerts, all of them at 3 p.m. in the Vacaville Performing Arts Theatre, with one new surprise this year: A community “Play-In” event during Vacaville Arts Week, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Sept. 25, in Andrews Park.

Source: August 25 Vallejo/Vacaville Arts and Entertainment Source: Solano Symphony’s 36th year includes public ‘Play-In’ during Vaca Arts Week – The Vacaville Reporter

Fairfield-Suisun trustees to hear updates on school bond projects, other programs – Daily Republic

By Susan Hiland

Fairfield-Suisun School District trustees will hear several presentations at their next meeting Thursday, to include an update on Measure J projects as the district seeks approval of another property tax measure to finance future projects.

Measure J, a $249 million general obligation bond that’s being repaid through property tax assessments, was approved by voters June 7, 2016, with the third and final bond sale occurring Feb. 20, 2020.

Construction started with the replacement of the synthetic track and fields in the stadiums at all three comprehensive high schools in 2016. The district has completed several projects and is in design for most of the final projects of the bond program.

Source: Fairfield-Suisun trustees to hear updates on school bond projects, other programs

Longtime Vallejo educator Tony Gross seeks second term on school board – Vallejo Sun

By John Glidden

Vallejo school board Trustee Ralph “Tony” Gross secured his spot on the November ballot on the final day to submit candidacy paperwork, setting up one of the more unusual situations in Vallejo this election season as he and fellow trustee John Fox will vie to represent the newly created Trustee Area 5.

Gross, who was first elected to the school board in 2018, told the Vallejo Sun that he is seeking a second term “to continue to improve the city’s public education system.”

“I bring a depth of experience, belief, and commitment to providing a more robust and relevant educational experience for our students.” Gross added.

Source: Longtime Vallejo educator Tony Gross seeks second term on school board

Will C. Wood alum, Super Bowl champ to speak at Boys & Girls Club event – Daily Republic

Jarrett Bush, a Will C. Wood graduate and member of the Super Bowl XLV winning Green Bay Packers, will speak at the annual Wake Up Your Heart Breakfast on Aug. 31.

The event supports the Vacaville Neighborhood Boys & Girls Club.

“Every year we meet men and women who were a part of Boys & Girls clubs when they were young, and have gone on to be distinguished members of our community,” club chief executive Anna Eaton said in a statement.

Don Burrus, director of economic development for Vacaville, and Monte Hoover, of Gillespie’s Abbey Carpet & Floor, were club members growing up and will be speaking at the event as well.

Source: Will C. Wood alum, Super Bowl champ to speak at Boys & Girls Club event

Thurmond Unveils Financial Literacy Grants – Year 2022 (CA Dept of Education)

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond today announced that he secured an additional $1.4 million in private funding for teachers in California high schools to help deliver financial literacy courses. He was joined in a virtual press conference by Tim Ranzetta, Co-Founder of California-based nonprofit Next Gen Personal Finance (NGPF), who is partnering with the state to provide teacher stipends and professional development for financial literacy. This public–private partnership provides $1.4 million in professional development grants to train high school teachers, enabling them to offer personal finance electives at their high schools, and a district-matching grant program for personal finance specialists.

Research shows that students who have access to high-quality financial education have better financial outcomes as adults, resulting in less debt, and a higher quality of life. According to a NGPF report, while 70 percent of high school students nationwide have access to a personal finance elective or a guaranteed course, only 26 percent in California do. Superintendent Thurmond is working to change that.

Source: Thurmond Unveils Financial Literacy Grants – Year 2022 (CA Dept of Education)

Painting a welcoming picture – Times-Herald

By Thomas Gase

Instead of welcoming returning classmates back from summer break with a handshake or a quick “hello,” students at Vallejo Charter instead created a mural, “Our Message of Self Discovery.”

The mural project, from Vallejo Teaching Artists in partnership with the Vallejo City Unified School District Expanded Learning Program, introduces students to public art through the collaborative process of creating a mural with a professional muralist — in this instance Leah Tumerman, a muralist for years who was inspired by the work of the five students behind the greeting.

Source: Painting a welcoming picture – Times-Herald

In VUSD, a new year with full staffing, more students, capital improvements – The Vacaville Reporter

By Richard Bammer

An important back-to-school lesson on Thursday, the first day of the 2022-23 academic year in the Vacaville Unified School District, appeared in a unexpected place.

A visitor to history and leadership teacher John Dolan’s class at Vaca Peña Middle School found it high up on a far wall, a simple but profound quote on a poster depicting Malcom X, the Black American political activist during the 1960s civil rights movement: “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.”

The day began at 8:30 a.m. at Markham Elementary with Principal Jose Bermudez personally greeting some 970 students, prekindergarten to sixth grade, at the Markham Avenue campus, one of 17 K-12 schools in the district.

Source: In VUSD, a new year with full staffing, more students, capital improvements – The Vacaville Reporter

Fairfield-Suisun school district says welcome to its more than 21,000 students – Daily Republic

By Matt Miller

Principal Ashley Kelley greeted each parent and student with a “Good Morning!” and “Buenos Dias!” at the new Sullivan Language Immersion Academy on Union Avenue while answering questions in the drop-off area, and occasionally pulling out a walkie-talkie and communicating with staff around campus.

“I’m pretty good at multitasking,” Kelley said.

In two languages, no less.

Source: Fairfield-Suisun school district says welcome to its more than 21,000 students

Solano Office of Education schedules Early Learning Career and Education Expo – Daily Republic

The Solano County Office of Education will host an Early Learning Career and Education Expo from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at its main office at 5100 Business Center Drive.

This is a hiring event, as well as a resource fair for career and educational opportunities in the field of early learning and care. Educators, college students, home-based and center-based preschool and child care providers, and others interested in learning more about opportunities in the career field, are invited to attend.

Source: Solano Office of Education schedules Early Learning Career and Education Expo

Fairfield high schoolers to be part of Youth Air Protectors program – Daily Republic

By Todd R. Hansen

Sustainable Solano is launching a program designed to improve air quality but also engage youth.

Youth Air Protectors is a high school-based program.

“The Youth Air Protectors program will engage high school students around air pollution. Each team of students will make a five-month commitment to the program, with the first group starting work this fall,” organizers said in a statement.

Source: Fairfield high schoolers to be part of Youth Air Protectors program

Fairfield HS to get performing arts center, renovated kitchens & repairs for athletic fields

The Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District reopened its classrooms Wednesday to welcome students back to school.

Students who were arriving at Fairfield High School walked up to the sounds of construction for a new performing arts center on campus.

According to district officials, the new center is meant for the entire community to enjoy.

Source: Fairfield HS to get performing arts center, renovated kitchens & repairs for athletic fields

Board members for Solano County Office of Education walk into new terms – Daily Republic

The three incumbents whose seats on the Solano County Board of Education were up for election Nov. 8 will get new terms without a challenge.

In fact, Dana Dean (Trustee Area 3), Teresa Lavell (Trustee Area 4) and Ginger L Dunne (Trustee Area 6) will not even appear on the ballot.

A number of other scheduled contests across the county had similar endings.

Source: Board members for Solano County Office of Education walk into new terms

Damon Wright ready to lead Benicia Unified School District – Times-Herald

By Thomas Gase

Dr. Charles Young may not be the Benicia Unified School District superintendent, but the city still believes it has the “Wright” stuff.

Damon Wright is the new superintendent of BUSD. After a series of interviews and “meet and greet” events in May, Wright was offered the position on June 9 at the Governing Board meeting. Young retired from the position on June 30.

“The interview process was rigorous, and I grappled with a rollercoaster of emotions throughout it,” Wright said on Tuesday. “I rushed home and shared the news with my family. I was excited about the opportunity to return and lead the District. I am very fond of BUSD.”

Source: Damon Wright ready to lead Benicia Unified School District – Times-Herald

SCOE hosting Early Learning Career and Education Expo – The Vacaville Reporter

Opportunities in education abound at the Early Learning Career and Education Expo, set for Aug. 23 in Cordelia.

The event, sponsored by the Solano County Office of Education, will run from 4-7 p.m. at SCOE’s main office, at 5100 Business Center Drive.

Explore employment possibilities with agencies such as Solano County school districts and charters, community colleges, universities and community-based organizations.

Source: SCOE hosting Early Learning Career and Education Expo – The Vacaville Reporter

Faces and Places – The Vacaville Reporter

As students and teachers head back to the classroom, they are turning to GoFundMe to seek financial assistance for all their back-to-school needs. Rising inflation is taking a toll on household budgets across the country, making help from the community more important than ever.

Vacaville teacher Ashley Kelly started a GoFundMe effort seeking community support as she heads into her eighth year of teaching and fifth year at Will C. Wood.

“All of my class markers, crayons, pencils, rulers are all dried out, missing, broken, and oddly chewed on,” she writes on the fundraising page. “I’m looking to stock my classroom up with new classroom supplies including the above along with glue sticks, scissors, etc., maybe even a paper cutter which would be so helpful.”

Source: August 18 Vallejo/Vacaville Arts and Entertainment Source: Faces and Places – The Vacaville Reporter