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Tensions surrounding the Israel-Hamas war have led to a notable increase in antisemitism within U.S. K-12 schools, particularly following the October 7 2023 attack on Israel. Reports indicate that antisemitic incidents in non-Jewish schools reached 860 last year, according to the Anti-Defamation League. In response, various states have enacted measures to address antisemitism, with some laws defining certain criticisms of Israel as hate speech. Critics argue that these definitions may suppress legitimate discourse. The National Education Association has also faced internal conflict over the influence of the Anti-Defamation League in educational materials.

 

The Bakersfield

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The Pajaro Valley USD is considering significant staffing reductions, with approximately 170 positions under review. This decision comes as the district faces a projected deficit of over $25m in the next two years, largely due to declining enrollment, which is expected to cost the district $13.4m. Kit Bragg, assistant superintendent of human resources, and Gerald Castillo, chief business official, will present these recommendations at the Board of Trustees meeting. The proposed cuts include 15 counseling positions, 40 special education staff members, and various other roles. The Pajaro Valley Federation of Teachers expressed concern, stating: "We must stand united directly against cuts that affect our students." A final vote on the reductions is scheduled for December 11.

 

Santa Cruz Sentinel

Teachers are increasingly concerned about the impact of AI tools, particularly Google Lens, on academic integrity in classrooms. A study from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, “Your Brain on ChatGPT,” found that students using AI for writing exhibited less cognitive activity and produced lower-quality essays. Despite these concerns, about 85% of teachers and students still utilize AI in educational settings. Alix Gallagher from Policy Analysis for California Education emphasized the need for clear guidelines.

 

Mercury News

Four months after local officials regained control of Oakland USD, Superintendent Denise Gail Saddler has warned of a dire financial situation that could lead to “significant pain.” In a letter to the community, she stated that $100m must be cut from the 2026-27 budget to keep the district afloat. Saddler emphasized that “people we know and care about will lose their jobs” and that beloved programs may be reduced or eliminated. The district is grappling with a projected $78m budget shortfall in 2026-27 and a $72m deficit in 2027-28. Alameda County Superintendent of Schools Alysse Castro criticized the board for not addressing the district's “poor fiscal health” and warned that without significant changes, the district could face bankruptcy again.

 

EdSource

East Bay

The Modesto Bee

Paso Robles High School principal Megan Fletcher has been placed on paid administrative leave. The district has not disclosed the reasons behind this decision. In the interim, assistant principal and athletic director Mike Susank will assume the role of principal.

 

San Luis Obispo Tribune

Dr. Damon J. Wright, Superintendent of Santa Clara USD, recently initiated a 100-Day Listening and Learning Plan to gather feedback from the community. Following community forums, three Santa Clara High School seniors - Luke Bettencourt, Mason Conklin, and Nico Oliveira - launched the "Zero Tolerance Campaign" to ensure student voices are heard in district policies. Bettencourt said: “We realized the crucial opportunity we had as students to create actual change in our district.” The campaign aims to address issues like mental health support, equity, and bullying prevention. The students expressed concern over the existing Student Senate's limited representation, stating: “A new student representative body is needed... to better represent all district students.” SCUSD public information officer Jennifer Dericco noted that the Senate is focused on engaging non-leadership students meaningfully.

 

Silicon Valley Voice

Students from six local schools transformed the Santa Monica History Museum into a vibrant celebration during the annual Legado Latino Día de los Muertos exhibition on November 1st and 2nd. Organized by Dr. Guadalupe Mireles-Toumayan, the event featured traditional altars, or ofrendas, honoring departed loved ones while fostering cultural connections. The collaboration emphasized shared cultural values, with each school contributing unique displays reflecting personal stories and heritage.

 

Santa Monica Daily Press

Ontario's Bill 33 has sparked criticism in Durham Region for potentially undermining parental advocacy and local democracy in schools by allowing the education minister to appoint supervisors over school boards and override trustees. While the province cites financial mismanagement in five existing takeovers, critics argue the bill paves the way to eliminate elected trustees altogether, weakening accountability and community representation in education decisions. Trustees are an accessible source of information for parents and also advocate for issues such as bussing routes or additional support for children, commented Mary Fowler, president of the Durham Region Labour Council. School boards that have been taken over by the province “don’t have the same support in trying to navigate … what can sometimes be a very bureaucratic system,” she added. Last week, the province moved to fast-track Bill 33 by limiting debate and skipping the committee hearing stage.  The bill is a “foregone conclusion” because of the majority government, but community members should still speak out against it, said Jennifer French, Member of Provincial Parliament for Oshawa. 

 

CBC News

Moorpark College's Animal Care and Training Program provides students with practical experience at the campus' Teaching Zoo, which is open to the public on weekends. The California college's program, established in 1971, allows students to engage in various tasks, including animal care, feeding, and conducting demonstrations for visitors. Gary Mui, who oversees the program, stated: "We do a lot of hands-on training, and to me, it's always magic." With an annual admission of sixty students, the program prepares graduates for diverse careers in animal care, including zookeeping and wildlife conservation. The zoo houses 120 animals across 110 species and has established partnerships with over one hundred facilities for internships. Despite its challenges, the program remains popular, attracting around 150 applicants each year.

 

Los Angeles Times