4/19 Weekly Newsletter
PVUSD Restores Ethnic Studies Contract Amid Community Advocacy and Honors Student Legacy.
Hola Amigos!
This Wednesday, we took a significant step forward by successfully reinstating the Community Responsive Education (CRE) contract. After nearly two years of persistent community organizing, advocacy, and resilience, your voices have been heard. I entered the race to challenge the incumbent Republican, Oscar Soto, who played a role in dismantling our ethnic studies program. Despite the challenging campaign, your unwavering support led us to victory by just over 200 votes.
Thank you for standing strong, electing representatives aligned with your values, and persistently pushing for positive change, especially for the communities of Pajaro and Las Lomas. This fight for ethnic studies echoes the historic movements from the 1970s to the 1990s—it's about ensuring our stories and struggles are recognized and respected within public education.
Next Board Meetings
Special Board Meeting: Student Recognitions
Date: Wednesday, April 23, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM (virtual)
Agenda: Access Here
Watch Live: PVUSD YouTube Streaming
Those who wish to address the Board on agenda items 4.1 "Student of the Year" and/or 5.2 "Student Banners" may do so by completing the Google Form the day of the meeting between 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. on the following link:
In Memory of Joshua Perez
It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Joshua Perez on April 15. Joshua was a bright young soul, incredibly talented in music—playing piano, excelling at video games, and always finding solutions to complex problems around the house. We mourn his loss profoundly and send heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.
As a trustee, it's crucial we address the root causes contributing to such tragic outcomes among our youth. I've requested a special board meeting to tackle issues around bullying, mental health, and support structures within our schools. We must foster a community environment where mental health challenges are openly discussed and adequately addressed.
Joshua's family is raising funds for funeral expenses. While they've surpassed their initial goal, any additional support is deeply appreciated during this difficult time.
Did you know?
At the last board meeting, we passed a resolution allowing the Student Trustee to make motions during meetings! This is a big win for student voices. Now, when students want something discussed, their trustee can officially bring it forward—just like the adult trustees. This is one more way we’re shifting power back to the people most impacted by our decisions: the students.
Transportation Meeting for Area III
Join me on May 2 for an important community meeting about transportation services affecting students and families in Area III. We will discuss existing routes and the impacts that recent cancellations have had on those with limited access to transportation.
📅 When: May 2, 2025
🕒 Time: 6:00 PM
📍 Where: Pajaro Middle School Cafeteria
PVUSD is now hiring bus drivers!
As you may know, we've recently welcomed a new Transportation Director who is already working hard to rebuild our fleet and ensure all bus routes remain secure, so no student faces cancellations. PVUSD is actively hiring school bus drivers and providing comprehensive training for those interested. If you or anyone you know might be interested, please share this opportunity!
$5,000 Signing Bonus
Starting Pay: $20.67 - $26.39/hour
Flexible Schedule | Great Benefits | Paid Holidays
Requirements:
Valid CA Driver’s License (Training Provided!)
Pass a Background Check & Drug Test
Commitment to Student Safety & Service
Training Provided:
Classroom Instruction: 20 hours (safety, laws, regulations)
Behind-the-Wheel Training: 20 hours
Apply Today: www.pvusd.net/pvusdejoin
Training Team: 831-728-6400
EDUCATION NEWS
LOCAL EDUCATIONAL NEWS
PVUSD Trustees Reinstate Ethnic Studies Contract
The Pajaro Valley Unified School District Board has unanimously approved the reinstatement of the ethnic studies contract with Community Responsive Education (CRE), also issuing an apology to the program's author.
Publisher: The Pajaronian
Read moreCommunity Voices Opposition to Watsonville Battery Storage Facility
Watsonville residents have rallied against a proposed battery storage facility, expressing safety concerns and organizing petitions during a public meeting.
Publisher: The Pajaronian
Read morePVUSD Approves Contract with Ethnic Studies Consultant Amid Controversy
The PVUSD Board has approved a one-year contract with Community Responsive Education to support the district's ethnic studies program, amidst ongoing debates and community input.
Publisher: Lookout Santa Cruz
Read moreEDUCATION IN CALIFORNIA
Trump Administration Cancels Visas of UC Santa Cruz International Students
Three international students at UC Santa Cruz have had their F-1 visas canceled by the Trump administration, with the university providing support as reasons remain undisclosed.
Publisher: Lookout Santa Cruz
Read more
Cabrillo College Students Seek Solutions to Commuting Challenges
Students at Cabrillo College have highlighted commuting difficulties and proposed solutions during a recent survey and community event, aiming to improve transportation access.
Publisher: Santa Cruz Local
Read more
PPIC Report Affirms Value of College Education
A study by the Public Policy Institute of California indicates that college graduates earn higher wages and are better protected during economic downturns compared to those without degrees.
Publisher: Public Policy Institute of California
Read more
Federal Policy Change Affects Aid for Non-Citizen Students in California
The U.S. Department of Education has announced that federal funds can no longer be used by California colleges to provide services to non-citizen students, impacting programs supporting low-income and first-generation students.
Publisher: CalMatters
Read moreEDUCATION IN THE USA
Harvard University Challenges Federal Demands, Faces Funding Freeze
Harvard University has rejected demands from the Trump administration to alter its policies on hiring, admissions, and DEI programs, resulting in the freezing of over $2 billion in federal funding.
Publisher: USA Today
Read more
School Leaders Respond to Federal DEI Program Restrictions
Educational leaders are navigating new federal directives requiring the elimination of DEI programs in K-12 schools or risk losing federal funding, prompting varied responses across districts.
Publisher: NPR
Read more
Legal Defense Fund Sues Department of Education Over DEI Funding Cuts
The Legal Defense Fund, on behalf of the NAACP, has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Education, challenging efforts to dismantle DEI initiatives in public schools.
Publisher: NAACP Legal Defense Fund
Read more
Gracias for staying connected and continuing to show up for our youth, our schools, and our stories. Whether it’s fighting for ethnic studies, demanding mental health support, or organizing around transportation, this work only moves because our comunidad moves. I’ll keep pushing at that board table, but none of this happens without your voice and action behind it. Let’s keep building, together—from Watsonville to Las Lomas and beyond.
In unity,
Trustee Medina
Pajaro Valley Unified, Area III
Feel free to email me at gabriel_medina@pvusd.net or leave a voicemail at (831) 331-4208.