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
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.
Lasherica Thornton
October 14, 2023
Lessons from the 1978 teachers strike in Fresno: Bonds, trust will suffer
Despite Fresno Unified's last strike happening 45 years ago, people vividly recall the hostility among teachers about who crossed the picket line.
Lasherica Thornton
October 9, 2023
Fresno Unified teachers very likely to strike. Here are the issues
Both Fresno Unified and its teachers union say they want to collaborate with one another, but many issues are driving a wedge between the two.
Lasherica Thornton
September 29, 2023
Fresno Unified's plan for keeping schools open if teachers strike: Pay subs $500 a day
Even if the over 1,600 current subs can’t cover the number of striking teachers, the district is optimistic that a $500 daily pay rate will draw subs from across the region.
Lasherica Thornton
September 15, 2023
Central Valley students to benefit from new Fresno State program | Quick Guide
Access to Fresno State's library as a ninth grader; a summer experience in 10th and 11th grade; on-the-spot acceptance by 12th grade: These are some benefits of a new Fresno State program.
Lasherica Thornton
September 5, 2023
'Powerful' child abuse expo could come to Merced County schools
By using the exhibit at high schools, organizations say, it will raise awareness and empower students to speak up and seek help.
Lasherica Thornton
August 21, 2023
Clovis Unified to get rid of its at-large school board elections
Under the change, Clovis Unified residents will only be able to vote for a candidate in their area.
Lasherica Thornton
August 5, 2023
‘One decision, one day at a time': How Stockton Unified's new leader plans to rebuild trust
"Real change is uncomfortable," said Lori Risso, a Stockton Unified principal who's been in the district for 32 years. "I’m ready to be uncomfortable."
Lasherica Thornton
August 4, 2023
Community schools model should lift a heavy burden off teachers. Will it last?
"Now we can focus on the learning," one teacher said about the impact of special state funding that will transform five disadvantaged Fresno schools.
Lasherica Thornton
June 13, 2023
Therapy dogs changed the culture of mental health in this Central Valley district
From more participation at mental health awareness events to more student support referrals for services, these two cockapoos have helped destigmatize mental health in this Central Valley school district, students and staff say.