A pair of retiring Gavilan College employees—Rachel Perez and Natalie Miranda-Juarez—were recognized at the July Board of Trustees’ meeting for their more than four decades of service in education.The duo received framed certificates of recognition handed out by Daniel Dodge, aide to California Assemblymember Luis Alejo, who represents the assembly’s 30th district.Perez, who most recently served as Interim Dean of Student Learning and Engagement, has held various positions at Gavilan since 1993, including Director of Extended Opportunities Programs and Services, Director of Special Projects, and Acting Vice President of Student Services.The long-time leader developed Gavilan’s Noncredit Education Program, establishing the Computer Technology Center in partnership with Gilroy Unified School District, where adults learn English for the workplace and citizenship, and prepare for GED exams, according to a press release from Gavilan College staff.Prior to joining the Gavilan College staff, Perez—who holds a Master of Arts degree in Educational Counseling and Student Personnel from San Jose State University as well as a California Standard Teaching Credential in Secondary Teaching—worked as a teacher, counselor and administrator for GUSD.Juarez—who holds an Associate of Art degree in Liberal Arts from Gavilan—was hired in 1972 as an Administrative Secretary while still a Gavilan student. She has also held Gavilan positions as Financial Aid Assistant, Instructional Secretary, and Senior Departmental Assistant. For the past seven years, she’s worked as a Program Services Specialist at Gavilan’s Hollister campus.
State auditor Elaine Howle slammed the accreditation commission responsible for the controversial shutdown of City College of San Francisco. She said the commission—on which Gavilan College President Steve Kinsella serves as vice president—lacks transparency and consistency.
Christopher High School’s top administrative post will be filled by a promotion from within, one of three changes in leadership starting next school year pairing in-house experience with 21st century learning savoir.
Gavilan College Trustee Tony Ruiz is concerned San Benito County isn't getting its share of funding from the $108 million bond meant to improve college facilities and secure land for satellite campuses in Coyote Valley and San Benito County.
With a gift to Christopher High School, the fifth-ever Cougar class of 2014 proudly walked down the aisles with a lasting mark of achievement to outgoing Principal Patricia Jolly: a gift from the senior class.