Ali Tadayon
Follow @@EdsourceAli EmailAli Tadayon covered the cities of Oakland, Berkeley, Richmond, Emeryville, El Cerrito and San Pablo for the Bay Area News Group prior to joining Edsource at the start of 2020 as a Journalism Resident. Tadayon cut his teeth as a crime reporter at the Press-Enterprise in Riverside, CA and the Post Register in Idaho Falls, Idaho. His work has earned several awards, including two John Swett Awards from the California Teachers Association for coverage of the Oakland Unified School District. He is a graduate of California public schools, and holds a journalism degree from the University of Colorado, Boulder.
All articles by Ali Tadayon
West Contra Costa Unified expected to break even this year after major budget cuts
The West Contra Costa Unified School District is expected to break even this year after making around $30 million in ongoing budget cuts and dipping into its reserves and retiree benefits trust. Though the district is in a better financial position than it was, more cuts could be on the horizon in the next three years as the national recession worsens.
Ali Tadayon
September 23, 2020
USDA allows school districts to resume serving free grab-and-go meals through 2020
The US Department of Agriculture announced Monday that it will allow schools to offer free grab-and-go meals to any student, regardless of eligibility, as they did over the summer.
Ali Tadayon
August 31, 2020
Tighter federal rules end free meals for students in California and nationwide
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has returned to its pre-Covid rules of free meals only to students who qualify for free and reduced priced meals, leaving out those who relied on free grab-and-go meals over the summer.
Ali Tadayon and Joyce Kasing Tagal
August 27, 2020
West Contra Costa Unified to rethink student safety after ending police contracts
The district plans to take a more holistic approach to student safety by relying less on law enforcement for non-serious incidents.
Ali Tadayon
August 5, 2020
California high school sports put on hold until at least December
High School fall sports is on hold in California until at least December. When sports resume, there will likely be a two-season system combining winter and spring sports.
Ali Tadayon
July 20, 2020
A California district’s plan to boost remote learning includes in-person ‘student support hubs’
West Contra Costa Unified in Richmond in the San Francisco Bay Area will open virtually for all students followed by "student support hubs" to direct help including how to use distance learning at home.
Ali Tadayon
July 13, 2020
George Floyd killing sparks classroom discussions about race, police brutality
The killing of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis Police has sparked discussion nationwide. In the San Francisco Bay Area, teachers in the West Contra Costa Unified School District gave students opportunities to share their thoughts.
Ali Tadayon And Ashley A. Smith
June 5, 2020
Cash-strapped Bay Area school district braces for cuts in state funding
With funding shortfalls on the horizon and higher costs due to the pandemic, district officials fear that more difficult choices are ahead.
Ali Tadayon
May 28, 2020
Teachers grapple with how to keep track of students during distance learning
The state does not require taking attendance while campuses are closed, but teachers are finding innovative ways to stay in touch with students.
Ali Tadayon
May 11, 2020
Letter grades? Pass/no pass? A’s for all? Districts differ on grading online learning
Distance learning is challenging school districts across California to reconfigure their grading systems. While many are going with a no-harm approach so students don't receive failing grades, how they are doing it varies
Ali Tadayon
April 21, 2020
One California district's guide for teachers and students in the world of distance learning
West Contra Costa Unified School District in the San Francisco Bay area offers a look at how one California district is setting up distance learning with expectations for teachers and students
Ali Tadayon
April 13, 2020
California food banks partner with schools to serve families of students
California's shut down leaves many families in need of food. Throughout the state food banks are partnering with schools to deliver meals to families as well as school children.
Ali Tadayon
March 30, 2020
Grab-and-go and drive-up allow families to pick up food at closed California schools
School districts across California that closed to stem the coronavirus are now providing special food distributions to their students.
Ali Tadayon
March 18, 2020
West Contra Costa Unified teachers take steps to save jobs, increase class sizes
Of the 240 teacher positions targeted to be cut, 185 will be spared.
Ali Tadayon
March 14, 2020
McClymonds high school students reunited in Oakland as officials wait for final air samples
The 350-student school in Oakland will remain closed until at least March 9 while air testing continues pending an official ruling that the air is safe for students.