Improved reading scores for Black and Latino elementary students and a new database tracking achievement trends are among Enikia Ford Morthel’s accomplishments in her first year.
Berkeley Unified School District
Fashion designs inspired by moss and iridescent frogs win Berkeley High student a national arts award
Senior Gavin Trotmore is one of 20 students nationwide to be honored with a Presidential Arts Award. His teacher, Miriam Stahl, is also being honored.
Berkeley college prep program RISE says without BUSD funds, it’s done
The nonprofit has helped hundreds of low-income BUSD students get into college, but it says this will be its last year unless it gets more money.
Why the cost of special education is rising at Berkeley schools
Spending on special education has increased 30% in Berkeley Unified over four years.
Berkeley school district’s reparations task force meets privately
A 15- to 20-member task force, convened by the superintendent, held its first meeting last month as it explores giving cash payments to students with enslaved ancestors.
‘Building our Emerald City’: Berkeley High students pitch climate solutions
After months of research, students proposed new ideas to help BUSD meet sustainability goals, from a rainwater collection system to a green job fair.
Remembering school board director Karen Hemphill, who ‘stood up for what was right’
Hemphill served from 2006 to 2018 and was known for her advocacy for Black students and for growing the district’s career and technical education program.
Enrollment at Berkeley schools is still declining, but at a slower rate
The district’s enrollment has fallen by 15% since a 2015 peak, including a drop of 104 students this school year. BUSD’s budget isn’t expected to take a hit until 2024-25.
Berkeley High personal finance class promises $2.4M ‘for free’
In Ms. Rigley’s class, students learn how investing $500 a month can add up to $2.4 million over 40 years. A new state bill could make personal finance a graduation requirement.
Photos: Berkeley High robotics team will vie for world title
The team, named “Berkelium,” has qualified for the international FIRST Robotics Competition in Houston.
Berkeley High was once Cal’s biggest feeder school but not anymore
Until recently, Berkeley High students were admitted to Cal at above average rates — even with lower GPAs. That’s no longer the case.
Berkeley school district explores giving cash payments to students with enslaved ancestors
A new district task force will study how to create a reparations program. If implemented, it could be the first of its kind in the country.