Lasherica Thornton
Lasherica Thornton is EdSource’s Central Valley journalism resident. She was most recently the Engagement Reporter for The Fresno Bee’s Education Lab in Fresno, CA where her reporting earned her a John Swett Award from the California Teachers Association. Previously, she was the Education & Features Reporter for The Jackson Sun, a USA Today Network paper, where she covered the educational systems for more than 13 counties. Her work garnered recognition with the Tennessee Press Association as well as local entities. A Mississippi native, Lasherica started her journalistic career in the eighth grade as a reporter and editor for her high school newspaper. In college, she reported for her college and community newspapers and interned in Pennsylvania, covering state government and writing for six publications, including The Philadelphia Inquirer and The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
All articles by Lasherica Thornton
What to know about free money waiting in state-funded savings accounts | Quick Guide
Under the CalKIDS program, upon graduating, children across California get to use state-provided money for college or career training.
Lasherica Thornton
March 25, 2024
Few low-income Californians claiming kids' free money in college savings accounts
Around 3.6 million children across California could qualify for at least $500 in savings. Less than 10% have claimed the account.
Lasherica Thornton
March 19, 2024
Another petition pursues removal of community college professor as academic senate president
Fresno City College professor Tom Boroujeni is unable to fulfill his duties as academic senate president while on leave, the latest update reads.
Lasherica Thornton
March 7, 2024
Increasing access can raise number of California students eligible for 4-year colleges, panel says
Better awareness and access to college prep classes can increase the number of students eligible to apply to the state’s universities, a panel said.
Lasherica Thornton
February 28, 2024
Farmers markets in this school district provide access to healthy food options
The Central Valley’s largest school district has been hosting farmers markets on campuses to provide affordable, nutritious food options to families.
Lasherica Thornton
February 21, 2024
Vocational training programs for special education students teach work, life skills
Districts are trying to create or expand vocational training programs that integrate students with disabilities into careers and society.
Lasherica Thornton
January 30, 2024
Fresno City College professors continue to speak out against colleague
Faculty are divided over revelations that the president of the Fresno City College academic senate was found to have committed an "act of sexual violence.”
Lasherica Thornton
January 25, 2024
Fresno Unified searches for ways to improve student, pedestrian safety
The district hopes it can reduce the number of vehicle-pedestrian accidents with a Safe Routes to School initiative.
Lasherica Thornton
January 18, 2024
Hanford program supports teen parents while they finish high school
The HOPE program allows students with children to bring their kids to school, so they can work toward a high school diploma while receiving mentorship, supplies and peer support.
Lasherica Thornton
January 10, 2024
Community college faculty call for union to take stance against accused professor
The union representing faculty in the State Center Community College District released a statement to its membership saying its duty was to "defend the faculty's rights to due process."
Lasherica Thornton And Thomas Peele
December 8, 2023
Professors cancel classes at Fresno City College after sexual violence allegations revealed
At least three Fresno City College professors refused to work Thursday following an EdSource story on a Title IX investigation against a colleague.
Lasherica Thornton And Thomas Peele
November 30, 2023
Strike averted for students: Fresno Unified, teachers reach ‘historic’ contract
Rather than picketing outside of schools on Nov. 1, Fresno Unified educators will be in the classroom with their students.
Lasherica Thornton
October 31, 2023
Fresno teachers vote to strike; negotiations with district continue
Fresno Unified and teachers union leaders continue to negotiate ahead of Nov. 1 strike deadline.
Lasherica Thornton
October 24, 2023
Debate over parental rights vs. student rights to gender identity privacy comes to Clovis Unified
Parents, former students and educators in Clovis Unified try to thread the needle amid conflicting court rulings on gender identity.
Lasherica Thornton
October 23, 2023
Fresno teachers union rejects district's offer of pay increases, expanded medical benefits
Fresno Unified's revised proposal comes days ahead of a strike vote this Wednesday.