News Briefs | FYI
November 17, 2025
School track project crosses the finish line
Anderson Valley Unified, a 370 student TK-12 district in Mendocino County, has recently completed a $4.7 million dollar all weather track and natural field in partnership with the California Department of Transportation’s Clean California Grant.
The $4.7 million community amenity grant for the track and field entitled “Anderson Valley Track to Health and Fitness” was originally written by former Superintendent Louise Simson in collaboration with Chris Vetrano and was fully funded by CalTrans in October 2023 with plans working their way through DSA in spring of 2024. Superintendent Kristin Larson-Balliet took the helm of the district in July 2024 and brought the track to fruition with the district office team, board members, architect Don Alameida, and Rege Construction.
CalTrans developed the Clean California Local Grant Program through which funds will go to local communities to beautify and improve local streets and roads, tribal lands, parks, pathways, and transit centers. Through the combination of adding beautification measures and art in public spaces along with the removal of litter and debris, this effort will enhance communities and improve spaces for walking and recreation.
“The community is so grateful to the CalTrans staff for their support and collaboration on this project and the health and recreation opportunities it will create for the community,” said Larson-Balliet, who also noted thanks for the ongoing support of Congressman Jared Huffman. “People used to run along the foggy highway and it was a hazard. To have this amenity available is truly a unique partnership to bring recreation, safety, health, and beautification to a valley where so many are socio-economically left behind.”
The $4.7 million community amenity grant for the track and field entitled “Anderson Valley Track to Health and Fitness” was originally written by former Superintendent Louise Simson in collaboration with Chris Vetrano and was fully funded by CalTrans in October 2023 with plans working their way through DSA in spring of 2024. Superintendent Kristin Larson-Balliet took the helm of the district in July 2024 and brought the track to fruition with the district office team, board members, architect Don Alameida, and Rege Construction.
CalTrans developed the Clean California Local Grant Program through which funds will go to local communities to beautify and improve local streets and roads, tribal lands, parks, pathways, and transit centers. Through the combination of adding beautification measures and art in public spaces along with the removal of litter and debris, this effort will enhance communities and improve spaces for walking and recreation.
“The community is so grateful to the CalTrans staff for their support and collaboration on this project and the health and recreation opportunities it will create for the community,” said Larson-Balliet, who also noted thanks for the ongoing support of Congressman Jared Huffman. “People used to run along the foggy highway and it was a hazard. To have this amenity available is truly a unique partnership to bring recreation, safety, health, and beautification to a valley where so many are socio-economically left behind.”
Anderson Valley USD utilized a CalTrans Clean California Grant to complete the track and field project.
National survey asks about demands on teachers
As the demands on educators continue to expand beyond the classroom, a new national survey by Horace Mann reveals that while teachers feel intense pressure, they remain resilient and committed — and clear about the support they need to thrive.
The findings, released in Horace Mann’s new white paper “Everything to Everyone: How ever-increasing demands on teachers are affecting school culture and climate,” are based on responses from 830 K–12 educators across the country. The results highlight a school workforce that is resilient, collaborative, and eager for practical solutions that support both educator well-being and overall school climate.
“Most of our staff share the same vision for the school,” said a 52-year-old elementary school teacher from California. “But the emotional climate needs attention. Some teachers face such extreme behavioral challenges in their classrooms, it’s hard to imagine how they keep showing up every day.”
Educators rated their school culture at 7.0 and climate at 6.8 out of 10, reflecting positive relationships, shared values and a sense of purpose.
But pressure points remain:
- 47 percent agree that student behavior is addressed fairly and effectively.
- 52 percent say their school prioritizes staff mental health.
- 58 percent are considering leaving the profession within the next three years. Educators cited rising student behavioral needs, frequent staff shortages and lack of planning time as major contributors to stress and threats to school stability.
Educators aren’t just raising concerns — they’re offering clear, practical solutions:
- Increase planning time.
- Reduce non-instructional duties like class coverage and hallway supervision.
- Offer financial wellness support through education and resources.
- Expand staff appreciation and recognition efforts.
“Support doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive,” said Kelly Ruwe, National Business Solutions executive at Horace Mann, in a news release. “When we host a financial workshop or appreciation event in a school, the response is immediate and powerful. When educators feel seen and supported it creates a ripple effect across the entire school.”
Schools are adopting a range of strategies, from hiring permanent substitutes to hosting financial education sessions and launching peer-led recognition programs.
For more information on Horace Mann’s research, visit www.horacemann.com/about-us/industry-research.
‘Boys in the Digital Wild’ looks at habits of boys online
Common Sense Media has released new research into how boys’ online habits relate to their identities, self-esteem, and development. According to the report, “Boys in the Digital Wild: Online Culture, Identity, and Well-Being,” nearly three-quarters of boys ages 11-17 regularly encounter masculinity-related online material that can include messages about making money, relationships, building muscle, and fighting. Over two-thirds of boys regularly see material that promotes problematic gender roles.
In compiling this report, Common Sense Media surveyed more than 1,000 adolescent boys across the country. The research reveals that while most boys have healthy self-esteem, those exposed to a high volume of masculinity-related posts struggle more with self esteem. Further, boys with high exposure to this material are significantly more likely to feel lonely, suppress their emotions, and avoid vulnerability. Nearly half of boys believe they must follow “unwritten rules,” like not crying or showing fear, to avoid being teased or picked on.
“Adolescence is a time for self-discovery, and for boys today, a lot of that happens online,” said Common Sense Media Founder and CEO James P. Steyer, in an Oct. 8 news release. “Online platforms and gaming provide a sense of belonging for many boys, and influencers have emerged as significant sources of guidance and emotional support during this formative period. However, boys are also seeing a lot of posts about everything from building wealth and muscle to dating and relationships to fighting and weapons, with many seeing material that reinforces outdated gender stereotypes. Importantly, boys’ lives aren’t all online, and parental support remains vital for their self-esteem and development.”
Read the full report, which also contains strategies for educators to create supportive environments for healthy identity development, at www.commonsensemedia.org/healthy-boys.
Monterey among communities selected for national initiative
Monterey County is among seven communities across the country selected to take part in a new initiative to address their economic mobility goals by expanding enrichment and career-focused opportunities for young people.
Supported by The Wallace Foundation, the Advancing Opportunities for Adolescents initiative will explore how schools, nonprofits, government agencies, businesses, and other entities can deepen their collaboration with the afterschool, enrichment, and summer programs that comprise the community’s out-of-school sector.
The initiative aims to provide adolescents in the middle through early high school years with greater access to out-of-school opportunities that spark new interests, skills, and an awareness of potential future careers they may choose to pursue. Adolescents and their families will have more formalized supports available to help them navigate across systems to find programs and resources they need.
Participating communities will also work to prioritize high-quality youth development opportunities, by devoting more attention and resources, increasing capacity, building sustainable funding, and carrying out a shared vision for how youth development practices can support the whole child.
Research shows programs that intentionally embed positive youth development practices — such as centering positive relationships, encouraging youth agency and leadership, and offering opportunities for young people to learn and develop new skills and interests — can help young people set goals, feel supported, motivated, and connected to the community.
Wallace anticipates investing approximately $6 million to $10 million into each community over the course of the initiative. Exact funding for each will be determined during the planning and pilot years (2026-2027) and based on factors such as poverty levels, number of youth being served, and other considerations.
Funding from Wallace is intended to augment investments participating communities are already making for young people. Communities will have access to technical assistance, peer learning opportunities, and other resources. Read more at wallacefoundation.org/wallace-foundation-announces-new-initiative-strengthen-positive-youth-development-opportunities.
FYI
Native American Studies model curriculum online
The California Department of Education, in partnership with the Humboldt County of Education and the San Diego County Office of Education, is proud to announce the availability of the Native American Studies model curriculum, available at chsspcde.sf.ucdavis.edu/native-american-studies.
Schools can apply for model SARB recognition
Local educational agencies are encouraged to participate in the 2025–26 Model School Attendance Review Board Recognition Program, which is sponsored by the CDE in cooperation with the California Association of Supervisors of Child Welfare and Attendance. The 2025–26 Model SARB Application is available on the CDE Model SARB Recognition Program web page, www.cde.ca.gov/ls/ai/sb/modelrecognition.asp. Applications are due no later than 4 p.m. on December 18, 2025. Contact Tom Herman at cwa@cde.ca.gov with any questions.
Get support with grant writing in new series
The CDE School Health and Safety Office is partnering with WestEd to help LEAs improve capacity in addressing school safety and promoting student wellness via a Stronger Connections Technical Assistance Center. This series of sessions will feature a panel of CDE leaders who regularly review grant proposals. They will share behind-the-scenes guidance on how proposals are evaluated, common mistakes to avoid, and strategies that make applications stand out. Find more information and register for “Turning Strong Ideas Into Funded Projects” at ca-safe-supportive-schools.wested.org/stronger-connections/grant-writing.