Monica Velez
Monica Velez is a staff reporter. She’s an award-winning reporter who started covering K-12 education in 2020, starting out in The Fresno Bee’s Education Lab and most recently for The Seattle Times Education Lab. Before moving to Seattle in 2021, Velez spent about five years reporting in California’s San Joaquin Valley. She reported on immigration for Valley Public Radio and got her start in journalism at The Merced Sun-Star as a health reporter. Velez, a Bay Area native and daughter of Salvadoran immigrants, graduated from California State University, Sacramento with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a minor in creative writing.
All articles by Monica Velez
Dozens of educators to be laid off in West Contra Costa
The district plans to eliminate more than 100 positions by the start of next school year.
Monica Velez
March 26, 2024
Pinole community rallies behind principal set for reassignment
Students and parents are rallying in support of Pinole Valley High School principal Kibby Kleiman.
Monica Velez
March 13, 2024
More adults in California earning degrees, data show
The Lumina Foundation set a goal in 2008 to have 60% of U.S. adults obtain a degree or other post-high school credential.
Monica Velez
February 1, 2024
California looks to the health system to sustain mental health funds in schools
As students require more mental health services, education leaders look for a sustainable pipeline of funds to cover the growing costs.
Monica Velez
December 18, 2023
California faces big challenges to implement new math guidelines
After a contentious process to revise and approve the state's math framework, California policymakers must now figure out how to implement the new recommendations.