PURPOSE Awards Shine a Spotlight on Kern County Education
Eleven individuals and teams were celebrated for their contributions to students, schools and communities during the inaugural Kern County PURPOSE Awards.
Richardson Center Transformation Built With Lots of Love
The C.W. Richardson Child Development Center has a fresh new look following a three-year modernization project. From bright, welcoming classrooms to thoughtfully designed spaces for young learners, every detail was created with the center’s students and their unique needs in mind.
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Tehachapi’s Ned Maino Named 2027 California Teacher of the Year
Tehachapi High School’s Ned Maino has been named one of five 2027 California Teachers of the Year, marking the second consecutive year a Kern County educator has received the statewide honor.
District Spotlight: New Elementary School Marks Next Chapter for Norris
Norris School District is preparing to build its fifth elementary school as continued residential growth pushes the district’s reach north into Gossamer Grove.
STEAM on the Streets Returns to The STEAM Yard for Third Year
STEAM on the Streets returns Oct. 24 with a free morning of hands-on activities, creative challenges and family fun at The STEAM Yard.
Sheriff’s Mounted Posse Powers Students During Special Friends Day
For 67 years, the Kern County Sheriff’s Mounted Posse and community volunteers have provided a sensory-friendly Special Friends Day at the Kern County Fair, serving thousands of children with special needs and creating an inclusive, joyful experience for families.
Local Leaders Connect with BCSD Students at Community Partners in Education Day
BCSD’s annual Community Partners in Education Day brought local leaders and students together at Harding Elementary to celebrate student leadership, school culture, community connections, and classroom learning while strengthening partnerships.
KHSD ROC Automotive Teacher Wins $100,000 from Harbor Freight Tools
Mario Lizarraga, an Automotive Collision & Refinishing instructor at the KHSD Regional Occupational Center, became the first-ever Kern County recipient of the Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence, receiving $30,000 personally and $70,000 for his program in recognition of his impact on students and skilled trades education.
Pine Mountain Club Student Named One of Nation’s Top Young Researchers
Peak to Peak Mountain Charter School student Alekha Goldberg is a Top 30 finalist in a national STEM competition for her research showing that methylene blue may help protect against traumatic brain injury, inspired by her brother’s recovery from a severe TBI.
KCSOS Helps Power State’s New Student Teacher Stipend Program
Student teaching often means hundreds of required classroom hours without a paycheck. A new $708 million California investment aims to ease that burden — and KCSOS is playing a key role in bringing the statewide effort to life.
More than a Meal: Cene Con Sus Hijos Brings Lamont Families Together
A shared meal can be about much more than food. For more than three decades, Lamont Elementary School District’s Cene Con Sus Hijos has encouraged families to put away the distractions, sit down together and connect through conversation.
California Educators Convene in Kern County to Advance Math Instruction
A three-day statewide convening in Bakersfield is bringing California education leaders together to advance math instruction through professional learning, collaboration, and implementation of the California Math Framework’s emphasis on deeper understanding, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
Inaugural Career Girls Class Sets Sights on Leadership, Service
Career Girls of Kern County launched its inaugural year-long program to empower young girls through career exploration, leadership development, mentorship, and community service.
The STEAM Yard Opens Evening Classes to Kern County Students
The STEAM Yard is launching a new Community Academy this fall, giving students in grades 3–8 the opportunity to explore Visual Arts, Coding & Robotics, or 3D Printing & Laser Cutting through a series of hands-on after-school classes beginning the week of Oct. 27.
Two Arvin High School Educators Honored with Yale Educator Award
Two Arvin High School educators are receiving national recognition. Gerardo Guzman and Matthew Regpala have been named recipients of the 2026 Yale Educator Award, honoring educators who make a lasting impact on their students.
Photo Essay: Thousands Turn Out for Kern County College Night
Thousands of students and families explored college opportunities, connected with representatives and planned for their futures at Kern County College Night.
Hispanic Heritage Month: Lamont Students Celebrate Through Music, Dance
Lamont Elementary School District’s mariachi and folklórico programs engage more than 100 students in celebrating Mexican heritage, connecting them to their culture, families, and community through music, dance, and performance.
Kern Educator Summit Brings Educators Together to Strengthen Classrooms
When educators have the opportunity to learn from one another, the benefits often extend to the students they serve. Educators from across Kern County gathered at the Bell Tower Plaza Saturday for the annual Kern Educator Summit, where they connected and shared ideas to bring back to their classrooms.
FCMAT’s Michael Fine Reflects on Legacy as Retirement Nears
Michael Fine has spent more than 30 years navigating some of California public education’s toughest financial challenges. As retirement nears, the FCMAT CEO reflects on a career built on truth, trust and putting students first.
Three Kern Students Named Among Nation’s Top 300 Young Scientists
Three Kern County students are among the nation’s top young scientists after being selected as Top 300 Junior Innovators in the 2026 Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge.