In the News

By Vera Castaneda The first partially virtual Glendale Unified school board meeting on Tuesday consisted of coronavirus-related topics, including a possible action to save taxpayers an estimated $6 million. Board members unanimously approved a resolution for school bond refinancing set to take place on April 22 — a move the district had already planned to make a couple of months ago. Stephen Dickinson, the district’s chief business and financial officer, estimated the district has nearly $87.5 million in general-obligation bonds from 2011, 2012 and 2014 that can be refinanced. Based on market rates from early March, he estimated refunding bonds could…

By Vera Castaneda As teachers begin distance learning this week, Glendale Unified School District announced Wednesday evening that schools will remain closed through the end of the academic year. According to an email sent to parents, the district is considering options for graduation ceremonies and end-of-year celebrations. “We recognize the importance of these momentous life events, especially for our seniors, and we will work closely with our students, staff and families to make these experiences as meaningful as possible for our amazing students,” Glendale Supt. Vivian Ekchian said in the email. The grab-and-go meal service that was set up recently will…

By Vera Castaneda The Glendale Unified Board of Education voted unanimously Friday evening on a resolution to take appropriate action to respond to the coronavirus pandemic. The resolution calls for the district’s schools to be closed to students from March 16 to April 3. Spring break is held from March 16 through 20. School sites will undergo deep cleaning during spring break. The break will be extended for students March 23 through 27, but campuses will be open for teachers and staff only on those days. From March 30 to April 3, a remote learning model will be implemented for students…

By Vera Castaneda Glendale Unified announced Thursday the school district is implementing social distance measures, following Gov. Gavin Newsom and California public health officials’ latest policy to postpone or cancel gatherings of more than 250 people across the state. Open House events scheduled for Thursday in Cerritos Elementary, Rosemont and Toll middle schools were postponed. Instead of having a live audience, the Scholastic Bowl will be live streamed from Glendale High Thursday night. Student Voice Panel and Restorative Practices Meeting for parents and community, scheduled in late March, are also postponed. Glendale Supt. Vivian Ekchian requested principals make changes as they…

By Vera Castaneda Arts education — featuring awards and performances — was the headlining act during the Glendale Unified board meeting on Tuesday. In a unanimous vote, the school board approved a resolution designating March 2020 as Arts Education in California Month, which is meant to encourage Glendale schools to celebrate with activities and programs in visual and performing arts. The California State Board of Education adopted the California Arts Standards for Public Schools, Kindergarten through Grade Twelve, which outlines arts-education criteria. However, the school board report notes the month’s celebration should “give recognition to the state’s young artists, focus on…

By Vera Castaneda Glendale Unified board members voted unanimously to observe Black Lives Matter at School Week of Action in February. Black Lives Matter at School is a nationwide effort and part of Glendale Unified’s goal to recognize “the rich culture, contributions and value of our African American students and community members” and it would be “an annual week of action, affirmation and solidarity,” according to the final draft of the resolution. Although Glendale Unified has honored Martin Luther King Jr. in January and Black History Month in February, the resolution comes after students, parents and community members voiced concerns…

By Vera Castaneda Black Lives Matter, an activist movement created six years ago, could make its way into the Glendale Unified School District in an official capacity. The Glendale Unified school board discussed last week a resolution that would formally observe Black Lives Matter at School Week of Action, which would be held from Feb. 3 to 7, in conjunction with Black History Month. According to a draft of the resolution, the week would be meant “to cultivate in African American students a sense of pride, self-worth, and self-love; and to develop a widespread acknowledgment and appreciation for the contributions of…

By Mark Kellam The Glendale Unified School District filed a lawsuit Tuesday against Juul Labs, joining the Los Angeles Unified School District and government officials in filing litigation against the electronic-cigarette manufacturer. The Los Angeles school district filed its lawsuit on Oct. 30, while California and Los Angeles County officials announced a suit against Juul on Nov. 18. Glendale Unified’s suit claims Juul created “an epidemic of youth vaping that impedes student learning and puts the health and safety of Glendale Unified students at risk,” according to a statement released by the school district. Glendale Unified Supt. Vivian Ekchian said protecting…

School board clerk Shant Sahakian, who’s been pushing for term limits for over a year, said he was in favor of three terms, not giving members a chance to come back after term limits are reached, while putting the issue to a public vote in November 2020. By Andrew J. Campa During a discussion by the Glendale Unified school board about possible term limits last week, topics such as three terms rather than four as well as a possible return for board members or lifetime exclusion dominated the meeting. The board met for the second time within the last two months…

By Marian Sahakyan The high-school experience has changed significantly over the years for many students. It can be a struggle to remain engaged in their school communities. That was one of the topics brought up during the first-ever “Student Voice” panel discussion, hosted by the Glendale Unified school board. With a goal to reduce school-related anxiety and encourage inclusion within Glendale Unified, members of the panel, which included student representatives from the district’s five high schools, shared personal accounts about daily obstacles and challenges some students face. During the four-part event, topics such as belonging, school spirit, communication and attendance were…