To commemorate the racial integration of schools in 1960
“Racism is a grown up disease, let’s stop using our kids to spread it.” – Ruby Bridges
By Allen D. Payton
Students at Antioch’s Dallas Ranch Middle School will participate in the annual Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day this Thursday, Nov. 14 to commemorate the day in 1960 when the namesake walked into a racially integrated school. On Thursday, students and families are encouraged to walk to school to demonstrate a shared commitment to ending racism and celebrate the impact of courage, resilience and unity.
According to the Ruby Bridges Foundation website, “Six-year-old Ruby Bridges stepped into the history books in 1960 when she integrated William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans becoming a national icon for the civil rights movement. Today her story continues to inspire the next generation of leaders to end racism together one step at a time.”
According to her Wikipedia page, Bridges was one of six black children to pass the test that determined whether they could go to the all-white school. “Two of the six decided to stay at their old school, Bridges went to Frantz by herself, and three children (Gail Etienne, Leona Tate and Tessie Prevost) were transferred to the all-white McDonogh No. 19 Elementary School. All four 6-year-old girls were escorted to school by federal marshals during the first day they attended the two schools. In the following days of that year, federal marshals continued to escort them.”
About the experience that day for the activist, civil rights icon, author and speaker, according to Bridges’ website, “Greeted by an angry mob and escorted by federal marshals, Ruby bravely crossed the threshold of this school and into history single-handedly initiating the desegregation of New Orleans’ public schools.
The Walk to School Day initiative, the foundation’s website continues, “started with a question from a group of AAA School Safety Patrollers from Martin Elementary in South San Francisco. Nearly 60 years later, as they were hearing Ruby’s story for the first time, and learning about her courage and bravery, they thought there should be a day to commemorate the movement she started. These students took their idea to the State Legislature and today the Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day will be recognized by the state of California on November 14 each year. Like Ruby, they lead the way and set an example for all of us to follow.
“Today, Schools like Martin Elementary and Ruby Bridges Elementary in Alameda, California and Ruby Bridges Elementary in Woodinville, Washington continue to honor Ruby’s legacy in their own way. The latest initiative being The Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day. An annual day of dialogue to commemorate her historic steps. These students will continue the conversation and take part in their own forms of activism to bring an end to racism and all forms of bullying.”
First time candidates for Antioch School Board, Dee Brown in Trustee Area 3 and Olga Cobos-Smith in Trustee Area 4 continue to lead in their races and appear headed for victory. Photos: 2024 campaigns
Brown, Cobos-Smith, Rojas, Jr., and Scales-Preston appear to all be headed for victory
No changes in Antioch mayor, city council races
84,200 unprocessed ballots remain, but ballots can still arrive until next Tuesday
“I feel very validated. I’m really excited. The one thing we should all be able to coalesce around is our children. They’re our future.” – Olga Cobos-Smith
By Allen D. Payton
As of Friday, November 8, 2024, at 3:25:03 p.m., with 84,200 unprocessed ballots remaining to be counted in the county the Contra Costa Elections Division released the latest results update. It shows the leaders on Tuesday night in the races for Antioch School Board Areas 3 and 4, City Treasurer and District 5 County Supervisor have expanded their leads over their respective rivals. In addition, the leaders in the races for Mayor of Antioch and City Council Districts 2 and 3 remain comfortably ahead of their opponents.
Antioch School Board
In the Antioch School Board Area 3 race, newcomer Dee Brown expanded her lead over former AUSD district leader and principal Scott Bergerhouse to 415 votes, with 3,869 or 52.83% of the vote to his 3,454 or 47.17%. In the Area 4 race, another newcomer, Olga Cobos-Smith, expanded her lead over incumbent Gary Hack, who didn’t appear to have done any campaigning, to 1,174 votes, with 3,923 or 58.8% to his 2,749 votes or 41.2% of the vote. If the numbers hold, they will join Area 1 Trustee Antonio Hernandez who ran unopposed for his second term on the board.
Source: Contra Costa Elections
When reached for comment, Cobos-Smith said about her expected victory, “I feel very validated. I’ve been watching the board for a long time and been very dismayed, since my granddaughter was in second grade. At that time, I was still working full-time and I didn’t have the time to give. She’s in ninth grade, now.”
“I found the residents in Area 4 are equally as frustrated with how things are going and are on board with some of the things I want to remedy,” the first-time candidate shared. “The teachers are also on board. I’m really excited.”
Cobos-Smith said during the campaign she was asked which political side in Antioch she’s on and if she was supported by the mayor.
“I found it very offensive. It didn’t allow me to stand on my own,” she stated. “The one thing we should all be able to coalesce around is our children. They’re our future.”
About hiring a new, permanent district superintendent Cobos-Smith said, “I’m really looking forward to getting started. When working in San Francisco we had a system which gathered input from stakeholders. I am very hopeful that we can create a similar system where we can have the community, teachers and stakeholders give their input in hiring the next superintendent. That includes the voters, but especially, the teachers.”
Cobos-Smith said she grew up all over California and moved to Antioch from San Francisco where her only daughter attended college and is now a pharmacist at Walgreens. Following her daughter and family’s move a few years earlier, she moved to Antioch in 2018.
“Thank you, Area 4. I’m ready for change and I believe you are, too. You voted for me,” Cobos-Smith added.
An effort to reach Brown was unsuccessful prior to publication time.
Source: Contra Costa Elections
City Treasurer
In the closest multi-candidate race in Antioch, for City Treasurer, to replace the outgoing incumbent Lauren Posada, newcomer Jorge Rojas, Jr. expanded his lead to 1,736 votes over his closest opponent, District 3 Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock, and to 1,801 votes over former mayor Jim Davis. So far, Rojas has 11,878 votes or 37.01%, Ogorchock has 10,142 or 31.6% and Davis trails slightly behind with 10,077 votes or 31.4% of the vote.
Source: Contra Costa Elections
County Supervisor District 5
In what was the closest race affecting Antioch, to replace incumbent District 5 Contra Costa County Supervisor Federal Glover, who chose not to run for a sixth term, Pittsburg Councilwoman Shanelle Scales-Preston expanded her lead over Antioch District 2 Councilman Mike Barbanica to 1,843 votes, after he had closed a 700+ vote gap on Election Night to just 67 votes early Wednesday morning. She now has 33,610 votes or 51.41% to his 31,767 votes or 48.59% of the vote.
Mayor
In the race for Mayor of Antioch, challenger Ron Bernal continues expanding his dominating lead over incumbent Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe to 11,127 votes, with 21,578 or 62.77% to the current mayor’s 10,381 votes or 30.3%. Second-time mayoral candidate Rakesh Christian remains in a distant third place with 2,377 votes or 6.94% of the vote.
The incumbent gave his concession speech on Tuesday night. Bernal announced his victory Thursday afternoon. (See related articles here and here)
Source: Contra Costa Elections
City Council
In the race for District 2 City Council, to fill the seat of Barbanica who chose to run for higher office, former Antioch High principal Louie Rocha maintains his strong lead over Parks and Recreation Commission Chair Dominique King to 1,369 votes with 4,472 or 59.04% to her 3,103 votes or 40.96% of the vote. Finally, in the only other multi-candidate race in Antioch, for District 3 City Council, to replace the gerrymandered out Ogorchock, former mayor Don Freitas continues to lead his two opponents with more votes than theirs combined. His closest rival, newcomer Adddison Peterson, is 1,104 votes behind and Board of Administrative Appeals Vice Chair and second time council candidate, Antwon Webster remains in third place 1,791 votes behind the leader. Freitas currently has 4,821 votes or 50.39%, Peterson has 2,717 or 28.4% and Webster has 2,030 votes or 21.22% of the vote.
Estimated Number of Unprocessed Ballots in County
Following are the ballot statistics from the Contra Costa County Elections Division of the Clerk-Recorder’s Office, also as of Friday, November 8, 2024, at 3:25:03 p.m. that are unprocessed and remain to be counted:
Ballots voted at a voting location – 200
Vote-by-mail ballots received on or before Election Day – 60,000
Vote-by-mail ballots received after Election Day – 10,000
However, according to Melissa Hickok, Executive Assistant to Registrar of Voters Kristen Connelly, that total will change.
“We’re still receiving ballots that were postmarked by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day through next Tuesday, Nov. 12th,” she shared. Hickok also said the Elections office staff will be taking off for the three-day holiday weekend, due to Veterans Day on Monday. Ballot processing will resume on Tuesday.
The next results update is expected on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. The Elections office has 28 days to complete the process to certify the election.
Scott Bergerhouse is running for Antioch School Board in Trustee Area 3 and Olga Cobos-Smith is challenging incumbent Gary Hack in Area 4. Photo sources: Candidates’ 2024 campaigns
By Allen D. Payton
With his years of experience in multiple positions in the Antioch Unified School District, as well as a graduate of its schools, himself, endorsing Scott Bergerhouse for Area 3 Board Trustee was another easy decision this election season. In Area 4, while I don’t know her and never heard of her until this year, I’m willing to give newcomer Olga Cobos-Smith the opportunity to serve and help lead the district offering her experience on the board to help the district’s students.
Bergerhouse for Area 3 Trustee
As the only candidate of the four running in the two competitive races for school board, this year, to reach out to the Herald and provide an announcement about his campaign, Bergerhouse’s slogan of “Putting Students First” pretty much sums up his career in education. He has worked with thousands of students and their families over the years as a teacher, a school principal and most recently, a district administrator. He’s running for the open seat in Area 3 being vacated by Dr. Clyde Lewis who chose not to run for re-election after just one, tumultuous term on the Board.
As previously reported, Bergerhouse began his career with AUSD as an English teacher in 1984 at what was then Park Junior High School. He then worked as an administrator at Antioch High School, Antioch Middle School, Park Middle School, Deer Valley High School and then, Carmen Dragon Elementary. In 2010, he was named High School Principal of the year by the Association of California School Administrators. For seven years, Bergerhouse was selected by administrators in the district to serve as president of the Antioch Management Association.
He also served as the second principal of Dozier-Libbey and in 2019 he was hired to be the Director of Student Support Services in the school district’s offices from which he later retired.
Bergerhouse says he, “will advocate for programs that support not only academic success but also the overall well-being of our students; will also work to enhance safety for both students and staff;” he “will focus on increasing student attendance;” and “work to enhance safety for both students and staff;” and the first-time candidate for public office says he’s “committed to fostering collaboration between the Antioch School Board and the City Council for the benefit of our entire community.”
That should be done for both bringing back the on-campus Community Service Officers – once the Antioch Police Department is fully staffed, again – and the use of the pool at Deer Valley High School by the City’s Recreation Department as was agreed to before the new high school was built.
Finally, Bergerhouse says, “Together, we can address the challenges facing our schools and build a future where every student can succeed.” That’s what Antioch needs, especially for the districts Black and Hispanic students.
My one challenge with him is he doesn’t have a campaign website. Connect with Bergerhouse at www.linkedin.com/in/scott-bergerhouse-2613063a or www.facebook.com/scott.bergerhouse or email contact him at scottbergerhouse4antioch@gmail.com.
His opponent, political newcomer Dee Brown, whose ballot designation is “Educational Program Director” shares on her campaign website, https://deebrownca.com, her priorities are Students with Disabilities, Safe and Valued School Communities, Expand After School Programs and Career Technical Education Pathways, which are all good things. But the focus of the Board of Trustees needs to be on math, reading and science for students in first through eighth grades.
Brown says she served on the District’s Equity and Excellence Committee and “collaborated with elected representatives, school staff, and community members to review the School District’s first Equity Audit and provide pivotal recommendations for building more inclusive schools.”
In her ballot statement Brown shares she served “as a preschool teacher, early education school director, and foster parent for children with disabilities…and adoptive mom,” which are noble and beneficial pursuits. But nowhere does she mention how or where she is an Educational Program Director or her education. Nor can a LinkedIn profile be found for her.
The biggest concern I have about Brown is the fact she’s been endorsed by two of the school board incumbents, current President and Area 1 Trustee Antonio Hernandez and Area 2 Trustee Dr. Jag Lathan, who played political games with the superintendent’s position, this past year, as well as Antioch Mayor Pro Tem and District 4 Councilwoman Monica Wilson, who has proven to be corrupt while in office. So, that should say enough about Brown’s alliances, and to whom she’ll be beholden when it comes down to tough votes as a member of the board. Why she would think aligning with Wilson is a positive thing makes no sense to me.
Cobos-Smith for Area 4 Trustee
In the race for Area 4 Trustee, incumbent Gary Hack, listed on the ballot simply as Incumbent, is running for his fourth term on the board, having been elected in 2010, then lost in 2014, elected again in 2016 and re-elected in 2020. He faces challenger and another political newcomer, Olga Cobos-Smith, whose ballot designation is Pediatric Nurse and Entrepreneur and campaign slogan is “Building a Brighter Future for Antioch Schools” which they desperately need.
While I’ve not heard from either of them during the campaign, no announcement, email or phone call, I cannot in good conscience support Hack for re-election.
As I wrote, previously, Hack shouldn’t run again as he failed during his presidency to do what was necessary to properly oversee the board’s one employee, failed worse when he let Board President Antonio Hernandez off the hook and the worst due to the abysmal test scores of the district’s students. If you’re too tired to fight the necessary battles and do what’s right with the authority and responsibility given to you, it’s time to move on.
That was after the incumbent chose to abstain instead of voting to censure Hernandez – who’s getting a free ride this time with no opponent in his campaign for re-election in Area 1 – for his inappropriate behavior earlier this year revealing private personnel matters for both a district employee and Superintendent Stephanie Anello, opening up the district to potential lawsuits, which could and might still be filed.
We need people to serve who can demonstrate they have a backbone and will exercise it when necessary and that was one time it clearly was.
Unlike Hack, Cobos-Smith has a campaign website where she shares her background, including earning a master’s degree in health policy from UCSF, how she’s served the school district, her priorities and what she plans to do if elected. Her priorities include Student Outcomes, Health and Safety, School Resources and Measure B Funds from the $56.5 million bond to renovate and modernize Antioch High School buildings and classrooms.
According to her website, Cobos-Smith served on the school site council (SSC) for Sutter Elementary, was elected to the English Learners Advisory Council (ELAC) and served as Vice President during her second year. When her granddaughter transitioned to Park Middle School, the candidate transitioned with her continuing to serve on both SSC and ELAC at Park.
Like Dee Brown, Cobos-Smith says she has also served as a member of the School District’s Equity and Excellence Committee, working “with elected representatives, school staff and community members to launch the first Equity Audit to ensure we’re building more inclusive schools that meet our demands today.”
She says it is her “goal to ensure that every child of Antioch can succeed at life to the best of their ability” which “can be realized by positively impacting education policy with focuses on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM), improving literacy outcomes and the social/emotional well-being of our students.” I want to give her that opportunity.
On the https://onyourballot.vote411.org/ website, under Top Three Priorities, Cobos-Smith wrote, “1) improving reading rates across all grade levels 2) improving the environment that teachers and support staff work and our children learn in 3) ensuring union workers receive project labor agreements for the planned renovations with Measure B funds.” Hack didn’t provide any information on that website where his opponent also shares she, “participated in the parent advisory committee which assisted with creating the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) for the 2024/25 school year.”
Cobos-Smith’s background also includes working as a Pediatric Clinical Faculty member at Cal State East Bay. But her website does not mention what business she owns and operates as an entrepreneur. Efforts to reach her was unsuccessful prior to publication time.
She also has the support of local teachers, having been endorsed by their union, the Antioch Education Association. It says a lot that Hack has lost their support having been a teacher in the district and at one time the organization’s president.
While I recognize it might change the balance of power on the school board for the first time in many years to have someone elected who might side with those on the board I haven’t agreed with in their efforts and decisions to get rid of Anello, but now that she’s gone, I’m willing to give their side a try and see what they can do. As it can’t be much worse than the results we’ve already seen, especially in the areas of math, reading and science for the majority of the District’s Black and Hispanic students.
Cobos-Smith adds, “Vote for me so we can give our children a fighting chance at realizing their full potential.” That’s what AUSD needs for all of its students.
To learn more about Cobos-Smith and her campaign visit olgasmith4antiochschools2024.com or on her Facebook page entitled, “Olga Cobos Smith for Antioch Schools 2024, Area 4”, email contact@olgasmith4antiochschools2024.com or call (925) 384-2637.
UPDATE: Cobos-Smith responded on Monday, Nov. 4 writing, “Apologies if I seemed inaccessible. I generally need at least one week turn around time for responses during busy seasons (e.g., election campaign). Your understanding is much appreciated.
My entrepreneurial endeavor currently consists of a pop up bookstore. You can find my website here: https://reflections-bookstore.com. My FB page: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100095275466876 and my IG: www.instagram.com/reflectionsbookstore. I am a member of the American Booksellers Association and the California Independent Bookseller Alliance (CALIBA).
I have not had the opportunity to focus on my business since about April due to caring for my mother during a new medical diagnosis. Once my mom was situated, I gave all my attention to the school board campaign. You are welcome to review the public information and share liberally. However, with the election coming to a close I will be doing a complete revamp of the business all the way down to the logo. Stay tuned, my plan is for a brick and mortar bookstore here in Antioch.
My relevancy may wane after the election, but the events I have attended throughout my campaign have been because the host has reached out to me. Now that you have found me, I am happy to connect for a more in depth discussion. My campaign time was spent going directly to the voters of Area 4 (i.e., text banking, canvassing). I am sure you can understand why that was important for me as a “newcomer” to Antioch politics.
Happy voting!!”
Please join me in supporting Scott Bergerhouse for Area 3 Trustee and Olga Cobos-Smith for Area 4 Trustee on the Antioch School Board in this year’s election.
Antioch High and Deer Valley High winners of Pitman Preview of Champions on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. Photo: AUSD
By Antioch Unified School District
On Saturday, Sep 28, 2024, the Antioch and Deer Valley high school bands attended the first competition of the season and marched away winners. Held in Turlock, the bands snapped up a few trophies at the Pitman Preview of Champions, the first event in the Northern California Band Association‘s fall lineup of band reviews.
AHS: 1st place parade band division 3A and 4th place overall street percussion.
DVHS: 1st place parade band division 1A, 2nd place overall street percussion, and senior James Kyle Imperio won 1st place overall mace Drum Major.
The bands are separated into divisions based on the number of students in the bands and they compete against similarly sized schools.
DVHS Drum Major James Kyle Imperio and Band perform on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. Photos: AUSD
Delta Band Review The 35th Annual Delta Band Review on Saturday, Oct. 5th, Delta Band Review had a record number of participating schools with 26 entries competing.
In addition to the parade component, some also competed in concert and jazz competitions.
During this 35th event, Deer Valley cleaned up with first place parade band 1A, first place concert band division 2A, 2nd place overall drumline, and Drum Major Sweepstakes (James Kyle Imperio).
The Antioch High Band prepares to perform, and the Deer Valley High winning Drumline performs on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. Photos AUSD
Antioch High kicked off the event but, as the host, was not eligible for awards.
Courtney Emery, AHS music director, thanked the many volunteers led by its band backers group and others.
Pittsburg, Calif. – Los Medanos College (LMC) presents a special livestream production on CCTV of the Mustangs’ homecoming game against De Anza College Lions, 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5 from the Pittsburg Campus, 2700 E. Leland Road.
The livestream includes a half-time show that debuts a special 50th Anniversary Tribute with historic images, musical score by the LMC Jazz Band, introduction by Contra Costa County Supervisor Ken Carlson, and commentary by former President Peter Garcia, President Pamela Ralston, author and art history professor Nick Nabas, and others.
“This tribute showcases the heart and soul of LMC that has endured from the first day we swung open the doors to students,” President Pamela Ralston said. “It captures the arc of our success through memories and stories of our alumni, dedicated faculty and staff, and students.”
Source: LMC
The tribute video, produced in partnership with Fallout Pictures, rounds out the homecoming game production, which includes a high-energy opener produced by CCTV’s Ronn Carter. The opener highlights the city of Pittsburg and its storied success as an economic driver for the East Bay. Gametime coverage also features announcing and color commentary by local sports broadcasters Tony Schultz and Dan Wall (an LMC alumnus), and contributions by LMC Experience student journalists Finn Atkin, Juan Cebreiros, and Lauren Gannod.
The homecoming game is Part II of a day of festivities that begins at the 11 a.m. party, hosted by legendary DJ Chuy Gomez of 102 Jams FM. The party will be held on the Pittsburg Campus in grassy area adjacent to Mustang Stadium.
About Los Medanos College (LMC): LMC is one of three colleges in the Contra Costa Community College District, serving the East Contra Costa County community. Established in 1974, LMC has earned federal designations as a Minority-Serving and Hispanic-Serving institution. It offers award-winning transfer and career-technical programs, support services, and diverse academic opportunities in an inclusive learning environment. With exceptional educators, innovative curriculum, growing degree and certificate offerings, and state-of-the-art facilities, the college prepares students to succeed in their educational pursuits, in the workforce, and beyond. LMC’s Pittsburg Campus is located on 120 acres bordering Antioch, with an additional education center in Brentwood.
Source: Bergerhouse for Antioch School Board campaign
For open Trustee Area 3 seat on campaign of “Putting Students First”
By Allen D. Payton
The campaign for retired Antioch Unified School District administrator, former Dozier-Libbey Medical High School principal and English teacher, Scott Bergerhouse, shared the following information about the first-time candidate for public office running on the theme of “Putting Students First.”
“Hello, I’m Scott Bergerhouse, and I’m running for the Antioch School Board in Area 3. Now more than ever, it’s crucial to be engaged in school board elections, even if you don’t have children in the district. Our schools, once safe havens for learning, are facing unprecedented challenges. What we hear about education issues on the national stage is happening right here at home.
I believe in an education system that nurtures intellectual growth and fosters critical thinking. Our children deserve to be taught how to think, not what to think. It’s essential that our schools remain free from any political agendas, focusing solely on empowering students to become independent thinkers.
As a former School District Administrator, I am committed to prioritizing student wellness. I will advocate for programs that support not only academic success but also the overall well-being of our students. This includes enhancing mental health resources and expanding extracurricular opportunities.
My roots in Antioch run deep. My family moved here in 1965, and I am a proud graduate of the Antioch Unified School District. I have dedicated 40 years to educational leadership, with 39 of those years serving the Antioch community. I’ve been a teacher, a school administrator, and most recently, a district administrator. I have worked with thousands of students and families and remain deeply committed to this community.
If elected, I will focus on increasing student attendance and providing social and emotional support for students, families, and staff. Attendance is directly linked to learning outcomes, and we must ensure our students are in school and engaged. I will also work to enhance safety for both students and staff, and I am committed to fostering collaboration between the Antioch School Board and the City Council for the benefit of our entire community.
I humbly ask for your support. Together, we can address the challenges facing our schools and build a future where every student can succeed.”
Then-Dozier-Libbey Principal Scott Bergerhouse speaks to the 2015 graduating class. Herald file photo
Education Career Background, Honor, Leadership Experience
As previously reported, Bergerhouse began his career in the Antioch Unified School District as an English teacher in 1984 at what was then Park Junior High School. He then worked as an administrator at Antioch High School, Antioch Middle School, Park Middle School, Deer Valley High School and then, Carmen Dragon Elementary. In 2010, he was named High School Principal of the year by the Association of California School Administrators. For seven years, Bergerhouse was selected by administrators in the district to serve as president of the Antioch Management Association.
Bergerhouse has also been active in the community having served as president of the Delta Advocacy Foundation.
Campaign Finances
The first-time candidate began his campaign on August 21st when he filed his Form 410. His campaign finance disclosure report, Form 460, for the period of July 1 through Sept. 21, 2024, shows he had raised $1,500 in contributions and spent $811.78. Bergerhouse received three contributions of $500 each from himself, Earlene Lanter and Tim Hurd, both of Antioch. However, the candidate said it was actually former Antioch High track coach Mike Hurd who made the contribution. So, the campaign will have to submit an amended report reflecting that correction. His largest and only expenditure of more than $100 was for $665.35 paid to Custom Printed Signs located in Austin, TX. (See Bergerhouse Form 460)
Personal Life
Bergerhouse has two adult children. His older brother Steve is a retired Antioch Police Investigator.
He faces one opponent, Educational Program Director Dee Brown, in the race for the open school board seat being vacated by Trustee Dr. Clyde Lewis who chose to not run for re-election. The election is November 5th.
Freshmen attend Algebra 1 at Oakland Technical High School in Oakland, Calif., Monday, May 1, 2017. Student mental health was declining even before the pandemic, research has shown. Photo by Alison Yin for EdSource
Young, disabled, English learners and homeless students are coming back too slowly from effects, report states
Nearly five years after Covid-19 began, a national report released Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024, shows that recovery from the pandemic for students will be a “long slog.”
“The State of the American Student,” a report by the Center for Reinventing Public Education (CRPE) states that the findings are “sobering, daunting, and discouraging,” and that the slow pace of recovery from the pandemic has left an indelible mark on education, with long-term implications for students’ income, racial inequity and social mobility in the United States.
“If policymakers and educators do not get serious about ensuring these students have access to proven interventions, then we will continue to see the educational impact of the pandemic reverberate for many years, both in our schools and in our economy,” the report stated.
For the last three years, CRPE — a research organization out of the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University — has released annual reports examining the academic, social, emotional and mental health effects of the pandemic on students. CRPE Executive Director Robin Lake said the reports were an attempt to ensure that schools wouldn’t go back to business as usual before students were “made whole.”
Fears that the pandemic would widen pre-existing opportunity gaps have come to fruition, according to the report’s summary of a wide span of research. The report focuses extra attention on certain groups: young children, disabled students, English learners and homeless students, and students who still lag far behind from where they would have been if not for the pandemic. Lake added these groups were largely not well served by schools before the pandemic began.
The report takes a sweeping look at the issues that have been harming students’ recovery since 2020, including chronic absenteeism, staffing shortages, poor teacher morale and student disengagement. These are all signs pointing to a pandemic recovery effort that will require a “long haul.”
Struggling students need more attention
Currently, schools are facing “gale-force” headwinds trying to address these challenges, the report states. Pandemic-era funding is drying up, declining school enrollment is stretching district finances, and many educators are facing burnout. But the worst part is that the problem is underappreciated, Lake said.
“Perhaps the most concerning thing to us is how little discussion there is about these problems,” Lake said.
Politicians are not talking about pandemic recovery, especially when it comes to the groups that have been struggling the most, she said. For instance, CRPE pointed out how some states, including California, do a poor job communicating data about how students have fared since the pandemic.
Additionally, parents do not seem to know just how far behind their children are — thanks in part to grade inflation and some schools’ poor communication, Lake said.
USC’s Center for Economic and Social Research conducted interviews with the parents of disabled students.
One parent did not learn from the school that their child was failing two courses, making him ineligible to graduate from high school: “I didn’t know until we were in the process of graduation,” the parent told interviewers.
The number of students who are served under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act has skyrocketed in recent years. It dipped during the peak of the pandemic when school campuses were closed, but surged again as students returned to the classrooms. It’s not clear why, but different theories have emerged.
While it states that kindergartners who have not attended preschool are more likely to have academic and social struggles, including a rising number of behavioral issues and speech delays, the report notes that students who start school behind their peers may be being over-identified as having a disability or that the high numbers could be because students who might have simply been treading water in a previous era are now being correctly identified as having a disability.
The problems faced by disabled students exemplify many of the biggest struggles of pandemic recovery efforts in schools. Disabled students’ academic performance has long lagged behind other students, but that gap has widened in the wake of the pandemic. The teacher shortage is particularly acute among special education teachers, now that they are needed most. Meanwhile, some effective efforts, such as tutoring, are not reaching disabled students. Low expectations for students with disabilities is a crisis that has failed to garner proper attention and resources, Lake said.
One parent interviewed for the report said that getting help for their disabled students required constant fighting. “Multiple times, they promised in-person, in-school tutoring — which they just were understaffed and were never able to find anyone,” the parent said.
Another parent said that without speech therapy, their son with epilepsy fell behind in school during the pandemic.
“He fell further behind because my husband and I tried our best, but we can only do so much if you’re not a teacher, which is very frustrating,” the parent said in an interview.
Recovery solutions are straightforward
The strategies that helped schools recover have “not been rocket science,” Lake said.
Many schools have been successful with programs such as tutoring, high-quality curricula, extending learning time and improving communication with parents. Some schools are making these strategies a permanent part of the school experience, which is good news: Tutoring and small-group instruction are some of the most powerful tools schools have at their disposal, the report states.
But scaling can be tricky, and many of the students who need help the most are not getting it, CRPE notes. Fewer than half of students who most needed that help enrolled in summer school, according to a Rand study, and just 1% of eligible students in Louisiana enrolled in a tutoring program for struggling readers.
The report recommends focusing on the specific needs of struggling students, such as students with a disability or English learners, rather than so-called average students. Addressing the issues that these students are struggling with will pay dividends for the broader student population, Lake said.
Some schools are demonstrating that recovery is possible, even if it’s not the dominant story right now. Students and educators alike are struggling, but there is a renewed understanding of the crucial role that school plays in a community. That has led to some schools rebuilding and strengthening that institution.
“During the pandemic, you remember, there was so much talk about more joyful education, more engaging, more flexible,” Lake said. “We think that that has actually taken hold.”
Emma Gallegos covers equity issues in education and is based in California’s Central Valley.
With support from elected and community leaders, unions and faculty
Representing portions of Antioch, Pittsburgand Brentwood and other East County communities
“My goal is to drive student success for the jobs of the future.” – Fernando Sandoval
East County community leader Fernando Sandoval announces his re-election candidacy for the Contra Costa Community College District Board of Trustees in Ward 5 with support from a strong list of elected officials, labor leaders and community members from throughout the district including: Contra Costa County Supervisor Federal Glover, Contra Costa County Supervisor Ken Carlson, Building and Construction Trades, Central Labor AFL-CIO and the United Faculty of the College District. They join a coalition of college faculty, staff, students, small business owners, civic leaders and community activists in support of Sandoval’s race.
Sandoval is completing his first term on the college board, after being elected in 2020 during his second and successful attempt to defeat then-incumbent Trustee Greg Enholm. Ward 5 includes portions of Antioch, Pittsburg and Brentwood and all of Oakley, Bay Point, Discovery Bay, Bethel Island, Byron and Knightsen. (See College District Wards map)
“Fernando Sandoval is a leader who has brought vision, bold leadership and a commitment to educational excellence and equity that will advance the academic opportunities for our students, said Yolanda Peña Mendrek, Liberty Union High School District Board President. She adds, in addition, his 30 years as a finance and banking consultant to top worldwide corporations will make him an experienced voice and strong ally with the Governing Board as it addresses the budget constraints by the State and the continued fiscal aftermath of the global pandemic.”
In 2022-23 Fernando served as President of the Governing Board. During his four-year tenure as Board Trustee, some of his accomplishments in this capacity included bringing in District leadership stability with the hiring of the permanent Chancellor, Mojdeh Mehdezadeh, and Presidents of Los Medanos College and Contra Costa College, restoring a relationship with John F. Kennedy-National University and leading DEI efforts most recently with an innovative model for enrollment with Diablo Valley College, Mount Diablo Unified School District and United Latino Voices.
Source: Contra Costa Community College District
He has also served as a past member of the Contra Costa Community College District Equal Employment Opportunity Advisory Committee (DEEOAC) to advise on a districtwide commitment to diversity, inclusion and equal employment opportunities in accordance with California Education Code, Title 5. He also Chaired the Bond Oversight Committee for modernization of schools at Pittsburg Unified School District (PUSD).
Sandoval’s community leadership also includes organizing mentoring, tutoring and motivational workshops for K-12 students and Los Medanos College students. He was recognized for his service by receiving the 2020 Cesar Chavez Award for Exemplary Community Service by Los Medanos College.
“I am running for the Contra Costa Community College District Board in my home region because I personally experienced the equity barriers and lack of mentorship for higher education access, particularly for underserved students which still exists today,” said Sandoval. “My goal is to drive student success for the jobs of the future. I want to bring my professional experiences, innovative spirit and commitment to educational excellence and equity to advance real solutions to these issues in collaboration with the Board and through community and philanthropic partnerships.”
The Ward 5 Trustee continued, “I am honored to have the support of educational leaders, local policy-makers and hard-working residents from throughout the East County community college district. We still face unprecedented challenges ahead due to the pandemic’s impact on the district’s budget combined with the long-term racial and social injustice issues facing our region and college district. It has never been more important to have experienced, principled, and responsive leadership now more than ever.”
Background
Sandoval was raised in East County by a hard-working immigrant family who sacrificed and encouraged education as a career pathway. Fernando is a veteran who served in the Vietnam War, where he maintained advanced computer systems on the USS Enterprise. Professionally he was recruited for information technology manager roles by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Sperry Rand, Hughes Aircraft Corporation, and managed change at IBM and General Electric among others. He also provided management strategies and policy decisions for economic recovery as a finance consultant to top banking institutions worldwide.
