Charter supporters, citing the need to overhaul public education, want to change how schools are run. Opponents argue that charters steer revenues away from traditional neighborhood schools, cherry-pick the best and brightest and can avoid employment and governance rules that school districts must follow. Charters, which the Legislature authorized in...
Split District? More Charters? Ratchford Shakes Up Area 3 Race.
Is Fresno Unified too big and too stuck in its ways to deliver the upgraded quality of education that many of its students need? Mark Ratchford, a candidate for the Sunnyside High School area trustee seat, says that he wants the district split in half. He wants more charter schools,...
Read This to Learn Why CA's Public Schools Are Failing
Don’t squeeze your kids too hard as you send them off to another school year, because the state of California is already squeezing your kids hard enough to hurt their future. Call it The Great California School Squeeze. The state is stuck in a nasty school funding paradox: Even though...
Bid To Toughen California Crime Laws Set For 2020 Ballot
SACRAMENTO — A bid to toughen criminal penalties has qualified for California's 2020 ballot, after delays pushed it past the deadline for voters to consider it this November. It would roll back criminal justice reforms implemented through voter-backed Proposition 47 in 2014 and Proposition 57 in 2016. The California Secretary...
One Charter School Fights for Survival. Another Wants to Open.
Two charter schools — one new and one looking for a renewal — hope that the Fresno County Office of Education answers their pleas. After being rejected at the local school board level, the One & Only Academy and Kepler Neighborhood School made their cases to the five-member elected board...
Will Brand Be Kingmaker in Council Races?
Mayor Lee Brand is taking an active role in the Fresno City Council races. Tate Hill is the latest candidate to receive the mayor's blessing. Brand sent a fundraising email Thursday on Hill’s behalf, asking donors to contribute to the campaign of the District 3 candidate. “I need a council...
GO Public Schools Group Wants a Seat at Fresno Unified's Table
Fresno Unified Superintendent Bob Nelson's leadership skills will be tested tonight by the last item on the board agenda. For nearly a year, the nonprofit GO Public Schools Fresno has met with parents and community leaders to hear their concerns about Fresno Unified. In addition, the organization has engaged in...
Fresno Protests Planned at GOP Sanctuary State Law Meeting
Protesters vow to show up tonight (May 7) at a Republican meeting to discuss Senate Bill 54, the “California Values Act” that some call the “Sanctuary State” law. According to a Los Angeles Times story last week, the Fresno County Republican Party is hosting the meeting with county officials to...
Here’s Why Teachers Across America Are Striking
Teachers from Arizona and Colorado are joining teachers in Oklahoma and Kentucky on the picket line. These teacher strikes will likely intensify the debate among elected officials over where education fits in state budget priorities. They may also prompt Americans to consider whether they are willing to pay more tax...
Tuck Makes His Case for State Superintendent
Marshall Tuck is running to be the state’s top education administrator, again. He knows it’s not the most glamorous of elected offices. “Not too many people know the position exists, but it’s a position that matters. Public education is the most important issue in this state,” Tuck tells GV Wire...