Fri November 14, 2025 | State Education News

California Unveils ’25 School Dashboard; Kern County Shows Steady Gains

California’s 2025 School Dashboard was released Thursday, providing a comprehensive snapshot of how the state’s students, schools, and districts are performing across a range of academic and school-climate measures. The annual accountability tool — created by the California Department of Education in 2017 — evaluates progress using multiple indicators such as English language arts and math achievement, graduation rates, suspension rates, chronic absenteeism, and college and career readiness.

By Robert Meszaros

Thu November 13, 2025 | Spotlight

Dream Center Recognized Statewide for Impact on Youth Homelessness

A new report from John Burton Advocates for Youth names Kern County’s Dream Center as one of California’s leading programs reducing youth homelessness. Powered by HHAP funding, the center’s “one-door” model has helped more than 200 youth and achieved an 86% safe-housing success rate. But with HHAP absent from the state budget, the future of Kern’s only youth-dedicated drop-in center is uncertain.

By Robert Meszaros

Wed November 12, 2025 | District News

Judges in the Classroom Brings Civic Learning to Kern Students

From third graders at Patriot Elementary donning a judge’s robe to Liberty High students observing a live criminal trial, Kern County’s Judges in the Classroom program is bringing civic learning to life. Through engaging, age-appropriate experiences, students are discovering how justice works — and imagining themselves in the courtroom one day.

By Erin Pruitt

Fri November 7, 2025 | Spotlight

KCSOS Employees Reflect on the Meaning of Native American Culture, Identity

Every November, Native American Heritage Month offers a time to honor the traditions and contributions of Indigenous peoples. For KCSOS employees Mindy Cruz and Deborah Jackson, this heritage is not limited to one month, though. It’s a daily source of identity, strength, and purpose.

By Erin Pruitt

Thu November 6, 2025 | District News

Sparkling Image Raises More Than $11,000 for Camp KEEP

Suds were flowing for a great cause once again as Sparkling Image Car Wash hosted its 15th annual fundraiser benefiting the Kern Environmental Education Program (Camp KEEP) on October 3. This year’s event raised more than $11,000 to support hands-on learning experiences for Kern County students.

By Robert Meszaros

Mon November 3, 2025 | District News

District Spotlight: P-BVUSD Stands Tall After 150 Years

From a one-room schoolhouse serving just 11 students to a thriving district with 26 campuses and nearly 20,000 students, the Panama-Buena Vista Union School District (P-BVUSD) is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year by looking back at its remarkable legacy and looking forward to a future of growth and progress.

By Katie Avery

Thu October 30, 2025 | District News

BCSD Teacher April Raguindin Named California Teacher of the Year

Dr. Douglas K. Fletcher Elementary’s April Raguindin has been named one of five educators statewide to receive the 2026 California Teacher of the Year honor — and California’s nominee for National Teacher of the Year. Known for her innovative, student-centered approach and passion for hands-on learning through Fletcher’s Edible Schoolyard program, Raguindin continues to inspire young learners and colleagues alike.

By Erin Pruitt

Thu October 23, 2025 | District News

Kern High Celebrates Opening of East Side Aquatic Center

The Kern High School District has opened the East Side Aquatic Center at Highland High School, giving students and families in east Bakersfield access to a state-of-the-art competition pool and community swim facility close to home.

By Robert Meszaros

Wed October 22, 2025 | District News

Modernization Begins at Virginia Avenue Elementary

Fairfax School District has officially broken ground on a major modernization project at Virginia Avenue Elementary, marking the start of a new era for students and staff. The upgrades will bring new classrooms, expanded administrative spaces, and modern learning environments designed to support 21st-century education.

By Robert Meszaros

Mon October 13, 2025 | Community News

Valley Oaks Charter School Marks 25 Years of Innovation, Family & Growth

This fall, Valley Oaks Charter School (VOCS) is celebrating 25 years of reimagining education in Kern County. What began in 2000 with fewer than two dozen students, two part-time teachers, and a single bamboo table has since grown into one of the most unique and family-centered learning communities in the area.

By Katie Avery

Fri October 10, 2025 | Community News

Small Acts, Big Impact: KCSOS Launches Kindness Project

KCSOS has launched the Kern County Kindness Project to honor high school students whose small acts of compassion make a big difference in their schools and communities. Nominations are open through December 5.

By Robert Meszaros

Thu October 9, 2025 | District News

Family, Opportunity, and Hope Take Root at El Tejon Schools

“It’s like a big family, basically.” Those six words from student Brycen Braz capture the heart of what makes El Tejon Unified special. When John Mendiburu visited the district this week, he saw a Community Schools model alive in every corner — from welding shops and FFA barns to family resource partnerships and health services. It’s a place where students feel seen, supported, and set on a path toward bright futures.

By Robert Meszaros

Wed October 8, 2025 | Community News

STEAM on the Streets Returns for Second Year at New Home — The STEAM Yard

The excitement is building for the second annual STEAM on the Streets, and this year, the celebration is moving into a brand-new home. On Saturday, October 25, families from across Kern County are invited to gather at The STEAM Yard (2020 K Street) for a free morning of hands-on exploration, creativity, and community fun centered around Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. 

By Robert Meszaros

Fri October 3, 2025 | Spotlight

CSUB Alumni Association to Induct Dr. John Mendiburu into Hall of Fame

California State University, Bakersfield has named Kern County Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Mendiburu to its 2026 Alumni Hall of Fame, recognizing his decades of leadership and service to the community. The surprise announcement was delivered during a virtual meeting filled with familiar faces and heartfelt congratulations.

By Robert Meszaros

Fri October 3, 2025 | Community News

A Spooktacular Tradition Returns to CALM Zoo

For two decades, families across Kern County have marked their calendars for one of the most beloved fall traditions in Bakersfield — Boo at the Zoo. This year, the California Living Museum (CALM) is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Halloween-themed event, welcoming guests October 15–19 for five days of festive fun, animal encounters, and community spirit.

By Robert Meszaros

Tue September 30, 2025 | District News

Chipman Students Lead Civic Effort to Promote Pedestrian Safety

Students at Chipman Junior High School are taking civic engagement into their own hands, partnering with the Kern County Superintendent of Schools (KCSOS) and local leaders to raise awareness about pedestrian safety in their community. As part of their “Safer Streets Project,” Chipman students are developing a 30-second public service announcement (PSA) aimed at reducing distracted walking — particularly among students using cell phones while crossing the street. The project will culminate with a student presentation before the Bakersfield City Council on October 8.

By Robert Meszaros

Mon September 29, 2025 | District News

KHSD celebrates opening of new hydroponics garden

Kern High School District has unveiled two new hydroponics gardens at its central kitchen—bringing fresh, locally grown produce straight to students’ lunch trays. The innovative project, made possible through community partnerships, is changing how students connect with their food.

By Melissa Rossiter

Fri September 26, 2025 | KCSOS News

Valley Oaks Charter Named Tehachapi’s Best School, Teacher Honored

Valley Oaks Charter School (VOCS) in Tehachapi has been voted the community’s Best School, a recognition that Principal Kristi Henry says reflects the strong partnership between families, credentialed teachers, and students.

By Robert Meszaros

Thu September 25, 2025 | Community News

New Dream Center Mural Brings Youth Voices to Life in Downtown Bakersfield

Where once there was a blank stucco wall on the southwest side of the Dream Center, there is now a splash of vibrant color – a mural that tells a story of resilience, growth, and community, all brought to life by the very youth the center serves. Local artist Jennifer Williams-Cordova, and current and former foster youth from the Dream Center collaborated to brainstorm, design, and paint the mural from start to finish.

By Katie Avery