February 28, 2012 (San Diego)—A coalition of students and faculty at San Diego State University plan to walk out of class Thursday, March 1 at 12 noon. A rally will follow at the Scripps Cottage Patio, 5500 Campanile Drive, as part of a National Day of Action for Education at universities across America.

Over the last decade, students in the California State University system have seen their tuition and fees more than double. At the same time, budget cuts have reduced course availability and increased class sizes.

 By Serena Scaglione

February 23, 2012 (El Cajon)--More than 150 parents, students and members of East County communities attended last week’s special board meeting at West Hills High School to stand for or against the Board’s decision last November to change the district’s boundaries.

Despite numerous pleas to the Board to rescind the boundary changes, the Board voted four to one to keep the new boundaries in place, with trustee Priscilla Schreiber casting the only "no" vote.

Grossmont, Borrego and Ramona districts may fail to meet financial obligations

February 23, 2012 (Sacramento)—State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson warned today that the latest review of school district budgets shows that one-third of public school students in California attend a district in financial jeopardy. That includes seven districts in San Diego County—three of them in East County. 

Bill would be paid for by closing a tax loophole for out-of-state corporations

By Megan McGlamery

February 14, 2012 (Sacramento)--In an effort to make college more accesible for students of all economic backgrounds, Assembly Speaker John Pérez (D- Los Angeles) has introduced the Middle Class Scholarship Act. This groundbreaking piece of legislation could cut fees in the California State University (CSU) and University of California (UC) systems by two-thirds for students whose family incomes are less than $150,000 and who do not already receive financial aid.

 
February 11, 2012 (Santee) - Grossmont Union High School District will host a special Board meeting Thursday, February 16 to review its newly enacted high school boundaries and open enrollment policies, as well as consider alternative options for the 2012-13 school year. This public meeting will be held in the theater at West Hills High School at 8756 Mast Blvd. in Santee at 6:00 p.m.

"This was the best possible outcome that we could have hoped for. The decision to change the boundaries can only be reversed by the board," said Greg Kerrebrock,  a parent who has led efforts to get the board to reverse the boundary changes...."I would urge those who are truly concerned or significantly affected to seize this opportunity and make an appearance next Thursday."

Griffin Center marks end of major Prop. R-funded construction projects

February 3, 2012 (El Cajon) – There’s a lot for the public to learn at the Grossmont Union High School District board of trustees meeting set for February 9, 2012 at 6 p.m.

Superintendent Ralf Swenson will provide an update on hotly contested district boundaries and an update on whether the district is in compliance with the California Voting Rights Act. Trustees will again weigh whether to approve a community garden for Helix Charter High School or create a new “Chef” position in Food Services.  They will also hold a public hearing on the Board’s proposed collective bargaining contract for California School Employees Association union members.

February 2, 2012 (La Mesa) -- Helix Charter High School’s Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) Chapter invites parents to a party at which large doses of reality will be served. On Thursday, February 9, the group will host a Reality Party for parents.

 
January 30, 2012 (El Cajon) -- The City of El Cajon Teen Coalition would like to recognize youth for making a difference in our community.  If you see, hear, or know of a youth who has gone the extra mile to improve the quality of life in our community, please take this opportunity to acknowledge and reward that effort. 

January 28, 2012 (San Diego)--In conjunction with its Forging a Sustainable Future Symposium to be held March 3-4, 2012 at San Diego State, UnitedGREEN is offering three $1,000 scholarships to students engaged in research projects. Students conducting research in how to make the San Diego, Imperial County, and Tijuana region sustainable in the areas of food, energy, water are encouraged to apply for this award.

Top entries will present their research at the March FSF Symposium, display their work at the event, and publish it on the www.unitedgreen.org website. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. is the keynote speaker for the FSF event.

January 27, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) –California Rare Fruit Growers have partnered with the Paul and Helen Thompson Endowment Committee to offer free bare-root fruit trees for schools, nonprofit organizations, and community gardens. Varieties available include apples, peaches, pears, persimmons, and pluots.

January 27, 2012 (El Cajon) – In response to numerous complaints from parents and residents who were not informed before the Grossmont Union High School District voted to change school boundaries, the District today announced that it will host two public information forums and accept public comments.

The meetings will be held in the Cajon Valley and La Mesa/Spring Valley districts on February 7 and 8.

 
January 27, 2012 (Sacramento)-- State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson congratulated First Lady Michelle Obama and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for making fresh fruits and vegetables the focus of the first major changes to school meals in more than 15 years.

Take our poll: Should the GUHSD have notified all residents by mail before changing school district boundaries? 

By Miriam Raftery

January 21, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – At a Grossmont Union High School District board of trustees meeting on October 13, trustee Priscilla Schreiber asked Superintendent Ralf Swenson how workshops on proposed district boundary changes would be publicized. Swenson replied, “We are sending out mailers, putting things on websites, and we are working with our feeder districts to get the word out through their schools…”

But no mailers were ever sent to district residents. Nor did feeder schools (middle and elementary) notify parents of future high school students. Yet the district approved boundary changes November 10 that will affect thousands of students. Now a clamor has arisen among parents who had no idea such changes were in the works—and want the action reversed.

 
January 25, 2012 (El Cajon) -- Perhaps it is because of spring – that time of year of fresh starts and renewed resolve – that despite the challenges of the day, an air of optimism prevails at Grossmont and Cuyamaca colleges.

By Miriam Raftery

January 24, 2012 (Lemon Grove) – Trustees in the Lemon Grove School District voted unanimously tonight to close down Palm Middle School after the spring semester. The wrenching decision came in response to repeated budget cuts, which have cost the district $10 million in the past four years.

 
Cuyamaca College program helps K-14 instructors meet new math, science standards; introduces teens to teaching profession

Modernized Career Technical Education building provides state-of-the-art workspaces to students

January 26, 2012 (El Cajon)--Grossmont Union High School District (GUHSD) and El Cajon Valley High School officials dedicated a newly renovated metal works facility and special education suites with an honorary chain-cutting ceremony yesterday.

 A sharing of artifacts recovered from the Titanic wreck site