GIA Education Report: 11/13/24

Welcome to the GIA Education Report. With the latest in Southern California education news, I’m Alyssa Silva. 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service and the U.S. Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid office have partnered to improve college students’ access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). A recent report indicated that a significant portion of potentially eligible students are not receiving SNAP benefits. The agreement aims to raise awareness by sending targeted emails to low-income students and collaborating with colleges to clarify SNAP eligibility and application processes. This action aligns with the Biden-Harris Administration’s focus on combating hunger and supporting students’ well-being to help them succeed in their education. 

Californians have approved a $10 billion bond initiative, Proposition 2, to fund construction projects for TK-12 schools and community colleges. This marks the first state bond for school construction since 2016, replenishing funding that had previously run out. With 56.8% voter approval, the bond aims to address significant infrastructure needs, including repairs and replacements of aging school facilities. Data shows that 85% of California classrooms are over 25 years old, highlighting the urgency for modernization.   

The Riverside County Office of Education has received a $1.02 million grant from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing to support 34 aspiring school administrators through its Center for Administrator Preparation. The funding, part of the state’s Diverse Education Leaders Pipeline Initiative (DELPI), provides one-time grants up to $30,000 per recipient to help diversify and strengthen educational leadership. Program participants, who include educators like Lawrence Hardy and Daffne Pérez, aim to become culturally responsive administrators in K-12 schools. The initiative is part of a broader $10 million state effort to recruit, develop, and retain diverse leaders across California’s educational system. 

Learn with Me, the bilingual children’s education show developed by San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools with KVCR and Footsteps2Brilliance, celebrates its second season with new episodes, a refreshed website, and a prestigious Public Media Award. Broadcast on PBS Kids, the show provides interactive literacy education in English and Spanish, featuring engaging themes like music, transportation, and responsibility. Alongside TV content, families can access free bilingual books and activities on Footsteps2Brilliance.com. Recognized nationally, Learn with Me has gained both community support and critical acclaim, including a regional Emmy nomination. 

Five alternative education schools in the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools (SBCSS) system have been recognized as America’s Healthiest Schools by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation. This annual recognition is awarded to schools across the U.S. that make significant efforts to advance the physical, mental, and social-emotional well-being of students, staff, and families. In total, 13 schools in San Bernardino County were honored for achievements in categories like social-emotional learning, staff well-being, and physical health.

Two Riverside County veterans, William Daniels and Stephen Tomanelli, were honored with high school diplomas through the Operation Recognition Program on November 6, 2024. This initiative, led by the Riverside County Board of Education, Office of Education, and Department of Veterans’ Services, acknowledges veterans who left high school to serve in World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War. Since its inception in 2007, 380 veterans have received diplomas under this program. The ceremony, featuring performances by local high school groups, underscored the enduring value of education and recognized the sacrifices and patriotism of those who served.  

And that’s this week’s GIA Education Report, I’m Alyssa Silva.