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PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Eureka City Schools Governing Board Appoints Trustee for Area 5

April 2, 2026 - Eureka, CA — At a special meeting on March 31, 2026, the Eureka City Schools Governing Board voted to provisionally appoint Jess Pettitt to serve as Trustee for Area 5. Pettitt will complete the remainder of Jessica Rebholtz’s term, which runs through December 2026.

Pettitt, a longtime Eureka resident of 20 years, brings a broad background in education, facilitation, and community-based work. A professional speaker by profession, Pettitt has worked across K-12 and higher education settings, including teaching, curriculum development, mediation, and supporting educators and organizations throughout the region. 

The Board conducted interviews with all applicants during the special meeting, asking each candidate to reflect on their experience, connection to Eureka City Schools, and approach to governance. The conversation also focused on the role of a trustee as part of a governance team - balancing accountability, maintaining clear boundaries, and making decisions that reflect the needs of learners and the broader community.

Throughout the process, candidates were asked to speak to issues aligned with ECS’s Designing Tomorrow framework, including equitable access for learners, transparent communication, and the ability to navigate complex or difficult conversations with care and integrity.

Pettitt’s responses reflected a strong belief in public schools as safe spaces that build both academic skills and a sense of belonging, emphasizing curiosity, collaboration, and community connection. She also highlighted the importance of honest, human-centered communication across all parts of a school system to build trust and strengthen relationships.

“As a former teacher myself, getting involved in my local community is important to me, and what better way than serving as an appointed member on the Board of Trustees?” Pettitt asks. “Schools are safe spaces in my neighborhood, serve as polling places, meeting spaces, and serve my neighbors as an employer, and where their children become life-long leaders and learners.”

Superintendent Gary Storts shared, “Jess’s appointment reflects our ongoing commitment to strong, learner-centered governance. She brings both professional expertise and a genuine passion for public schools as places of belonging and opportunity. I look forward to partnering with her and the Board as we continue shaping a future-ready system for all learners.”

Pettitt will be officially seated at the regular board meeting on April 9, 2026.

The provisional appointment allows the Board to continue its work without interruption while staying focused on its goals for students and the community.

For more information about Eureka City Schools, visit www.eurekacityschools.org.

Press Contact
Micalyn Harris, Director of Executive Strategy & Operations
Superintendent’s Office
harrismicalyn@eurekacityschools.org
Tel: 707-441-2414

PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

***

Notice of Vacancy and Open Position on the Board of Trustees for Eureka City Schools Trustee Area 5

February 26, 2026 - On February 12, 2026, the Trustee for Area 5 for Eureka City Schools, Jessica Rebholtz, submitted a letter of resignation, effective February 13, 2026.  Ms. Rebholtz was most recently elected to a term ending in November 2026.  Ms. Rebholtz’s replacement will serve the remainder of her term, and the Board is hopeful the successful candidate will run for re-election in November 2026.

NOTICE is hereby given that all qualified persons who would like to apply for the open position on the Board of Trustees for Eureka City Schools, Trustee Area 5, may contact Eureka City Schools, c/o Gary Storts, Superintendent (stortsg@eurekacityschools.org), for a candidate information sheet.  All candidate information sheets (original copies) must be submitted on or before Friday, March 20, 2026, no later than 4:00 p.m., to the Superintendent’s Office of Eureka City Schools (2100 J Street, Eureka, CA 95501 – Room 108).

Qualifications for Office: The applicant shall be a registered voter residing in Trustee Area 5 for Eureka City Schools.  The boundaries for Trustee Area 5 can be reviewed by visiting the Eureka City Schools’ website (https://www.eurekacityschools.org/governance/school-board-trustee-areas) or through the Humboldt County Office of Education – District Locator (https://hcoe.org/district-locator/). 

NOTICE is further given that appointment to the office will be made in the event there are no nominees or no qualified nominees.  (Appointments will be made pursuant to 10515 of the Elections Code or 5326, 5328, and 5328.5 of the Education Code.)

Press Contact:

Micalyn Harris

Director of Executive Strategy and Operations

Eureka City Schools

Tel: 707-441-2414

harrismicalyn@eurekacityschools.org

FOR IMMEDIATE POSTING

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Public Hearing to Receive Public Comment on the Board’s Decision

to Grant or Deny the Charter Petition from Alder Grove Charter School

 

When:            Thursday, February 12, 2026 – 5:30 p.m.

Where:           Eureka City Schools Regular Board Meeting / Francis H. Taplin Board Room (2100 J Street, Eureka, CA 95501)

NOTICE is hereby given that the Eureka City School District will hold a Public Hearing to receive public comment on the Board’s decision to grant or deny the charter petition from Alder Grove Charter School.

Please take notice that on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at approximately 5:30 p.m., the Board of Trustees of the Eureka City School District will hold a public hearing in accordance with Education Code section 47605(b) to grant or deny the petition from Alder Grove Charter School.  The district received the renewal petition on November 11, 2025, and the public hearing to consider the level of support by teachers employed by the school district, other employees of the school district, and parents, was held on December 11, 2025.

The district’s staff report, including the recommended findings, was published on January 29, 2026, at least 15 days prior to the public hearing. A copy of the renewal petition and staff report is available for review on the Eureka City Schools website at www.eurekacityschools.org under “Recent News” and at the Eureka City School District Office, 2100 J Street, Eureka, CA 95501.  Please contact the Eureka School District Office at 707-441-2414 if you would like a copy of the materials prior to the Public Hearing.

All interested staff, parents, and community members are invited to attend.

Post: 01/29/26

Remove: 02/13/26

 

 

Notice of Public Hearing on February 12, 2026

Staff Report, Findings of Fact, and Recommendations Regarding Charter Petition Renewal

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Special Education Services

 

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

Lafayette Elementary School, in Eureka, and Linsen Elementary School in  Taiwan, Establish Sister-School Partnership  

December 11, 2025 (Eureka, CA) - In a ceremonial signing at the Humboldt County Office of  Education (HCOE), the dignitaries of Eureka City Schools, Lafayette Elementary School, Linsen  Elementary School, and Taiwan’s Ministry of Education met over Zoom to formalize the  relationship. The event began with the recognition of dignitaries from both countries, followed  by a performance by the Recorder Choir of Linsen Elementary School.  

Principal Quincy Brownfield of Lafayette Elementary School, highlighted the significance of the  new partnership. “Though the Pacific Ocean separates our schools, what unites us is far greater  than the distance between us. We share a belief in the transformative power of education — an  education that connects young people to the world, prepares them to be curious global  citizens, and encourages them to learn not only from textbooks, but from one another.  

“Last summer, one of our teachers, Mr. Nick Williams, had the privilege of visiting Taiwan  through the California–Taiwan Global Classroom Connect program. He returned filled with  enthusiasm — energized by the hospitality, innovation, and warmth he experienced in Taiwan.  That spark has since spread throughout our school community. Our students now talk eagerly  about their peers across the world — peers they already feel connected to through shared  learning.”  

Mrs. Brownfield concluded, “We are proud to stand with Linsen Elementary School, knowing  that together, we can foster learner agency, cultural understanding, and a strong foundation  for success in an interconnected world. As we say xiè xiè (謝謝) —, meaning “thank you” — we  honor the goodwill and collaboration that have led to this moment.”  

Following remarks from representatives of Taiwan’s Ministry of Education and the Principal of  Linsen Elementary School, the principals of both schools signed the memorandum of  understanding simultaneously. Photos were taken to commemorate the virtual ceremony. This  concluded with comments from Jennifer Johnson, Assistant Superintendent of Educational  Services for Eureka City Schools, expressing gratitude for everyone’s dedication to global  education.  

For more information regarding global education in Humboldt County, visit  https://globalclassroomconnect.org/. Local Educators are also invited to participate in the 

Global Education Forum on February 28, 2026. Contact Greg Gaiera ggaiera@hcoe.org for  registration information, or register at http://tinyurl.com/cgef2026  

Press Contact:  

Kristi Puzz, Director of Personnel Services and Public Affairs  

Eureka City Schools  

puzzk@eurekacityschools.org 

Tel: 707-441-2417  

 

PARA PUBLICACIÓN INMEDIATA  

La escuela primaria Lafayette, en Eureka, y la escuela primaria Linsen, en  Taiwán, establecen una relación de hermanamiento entre escuelas.  

11 de diciembre de 2025 (Eureka, California) - En una ceremonia de firma celebrada en la  Oficina de Educación del Condado de Humboldt (HCOE), las autoridades de las escuelas de  Eureka City, la escuela primaria Lafayette, la escuela primaria Linsen y el Ministerio de  Educación de Taiwán se reunieron a través de Zoom para formalizar la relación. El evento  comenzó con el reconocimiento de las autoridades de ambos países, seguido de una actuación  del coro de flautas de la escuela primaria Linsen.  

El director Quincy Brownfield, de la Escuela Primaria Lafayette, destacó la importancia de la  nueva asociación. «Aunque el océano Pacífico separa nuestras escuelas, lo que nos une es  mucho mayor que la distancia que nos separa. Compartimos la creencia en el poder  transformador de la educación, una educación que conecta a los jóvenes con el mundo, los  prepara para ser ciudadanos globales curiosos y los anima a aprender no solo de los libros de  texto, sino también unos de otros.  

El verano pasado, uno de nuestros profesores, el Sr. Nick Williams, tuvo el privilegio de visitar  Taiwán a través del programa California-Taiwan Global Classroom Connect. Regresó lleno de  entusiasmo, animado por la hospitalidad, la innovación y la calidez que experimentó en Taiwán.  Desde entonces, esa chispa se ha extendido por toda nuestra comunidad escolar. Nuestros  alumnos ahora hablan con entusiasmo de sus compañeros de todo el mundo, con los que ya se  sienten conectados a través del aprendizaje compartido».  

La Sra. Brownfield concluyó diciendo: «Estamos orgullosos de colaborar con la escuela primaria  Linsen, sabiendo que juntos podemos fomentar la autonomía del alumno, el entendimiento  cultural y una base sólida para el éxito en un mundo interconectado. Al decir xiè xiè (謝謝), que  significa «gracias», honramos la buena voluntad y la colaboración que han llevado a este  momento».  

Tras las declaraciones de los representantes del Ministerio de Educación de Taiwán y del  director de la escuela primaria Linsen, los directores de ambas escuelas firmaron  simultáneamente el memorando de entendimiento. Se tomaron fotos para conmemorar la  ceremonia virtual. Esta concluyó con los comentarios de Jennifer Johnson, superintendente  adjunta de Servicios Educativos de las Escuelas de la Ciudad de Eureka, quien expresó su  gratitud por la dedicación de todos a la educación global. 

Para obtener más información sobre la educación global en el condado de Humboldt, visite  https://globalclassroomconnect.org/. También se invita a los educadores locales a participar en  el Foro de Educación Global el 28 de febrero de 2026. Póngase en contacto con Greg Gaiera  ggaiera@hcoe.org para obtener información sobre la inscripción, o inscríbase en  http://tinyurl.com/cgef2026.  

Contacto para la prensa: 

Kristi Puzz, directora de Servicios de Personal y Asuntos Públicos  

Escuelas de la ciudad de Eureka  

puzzk@eurekacityschools.org 

Tel: 707-441-2417 

 

 

 

Join us on Thursday, January 22, 2026, for a community workshop exploring Personalized, Competency-Based Learning (PCBL). This evening is designed for families and community partners who want to better understand the exciting learning shifts happening across Eureka City Schools.

You’ll have the chance to experience examples from classrooms, connect with educators, and learn how PCBL supports each learner’s growth, agency, and future readiness.

✨ We kindly ask that you RSVP by scanning the QR Code on the event flyer or clicking directly on the Google Form linked below. Your response helps us plan enough food and ensure we have the right child care support for everyone who attends.

We look forward to learning together!

Google Form

Copy of Flyer - English

***

Acompáñenos el jueves 22 de enero de 2026 a un taller comunitario que explorará el Aprendizaje Personalizado y Basado en Competencias (PCBL, por sus siglas en inglés). Esta tarde está diseñada para familias y socios comunitarios que desean comprender mejor los emocionantes cambios en el aprendizaje que están ocurriendo en Eureka City Schools.

Tendrá la oportunidad de conocer ejemplos de las aulas, conectarse con educadores y aprender cómo el PCBL apoya el crecimiento, la autonomía y la preparación para el futuro de cada estudiante.

✨ Le pedimos amablemente que confirme su asistencia (RSVP) escaneando el código QR en el volante del evento o haciendo clic directamente en el Formulario de Google que se encuentra a continuación. Su respuesta nos ayuda a planificar suficiente comida y a garantizar que contemos con el apoyo adecuado de cuidado infantil para todas las personas que asistan.
¡Esperamos aprender juntos!

Formulario de Google

Copy of Flyer - Spanish

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Eureka City Schools Refinances Bonds, Saves Taxpayers over $1.5 Million

Eureka, CA – December 5, 2025 - Eureka City Schools has refinanced $8.6 million in general obligation bonds, resulting in more than $1.5 million in savings for District property owners. The District leveraged favorable interest rates to refinance a portion of its Election of 2014, Series 2015 Bonds.

In November 2014, over 57% of District voters approved the sale of $49.7 million in general obligation bonds to improve student achievement by upgrading career technical and job training classrooms, enhancing technology, and constructing new classrooms and science labs.

The Series 2015 Bonds carried interest rates between 3.5% and 5.0%. The new refunding bonds carry an interest rate of 3.48%. This reduction will save taxpayers $1,504,595 and shorten the repayment period by one year.

Superintendent Gary Storts stated, “Our community has consistently demonstrated its commitment to providing safe, modern, and accessible learning environments for students. The support shown through the 2014 bond program continues to pay dividends, and this refinance reflects our ongoing responsibility to deliver strong fiscal stewardship on behalf of our taxpayers.”

Assistant Superintendent Paul Ziegler added, “Monitoring our debt obligations is a critical part of ensuring taxpayer dollars are used wisely. With interest rates lower than when the original bonds were issued, refinancing was a practical opportunity to reduce costs for the community.”

The Board of Trustees authorized the refinancing at its October 9th meeting. “We are deeply grateful for our community’s continued support of Eureka City Schools,” said Board President Jessica Rebholtz. “Their investment in the 2014 bond program helped make our campuses safer, more accessible, and better equipped for 21st‑century learning. This refinancing reinforces our commitment to protecting that investment and being responsible stewards of public funds.”

Property owners in the District will see reduced tax rates reflected on future tax bills.

 

Press Contact:

Paul Ziegler, Assistant Superintendent of Business Services 

Eureka City Schools

zieglerp@eurekacityschools.org 

Tel: 707-441-2412

 

 

PARA PUBLICACIÓN INMEDIATA

Eureka City Schools Refinancia Bonos y Ahorra Más de $1.5 Millones a los Contribuyentes

Eureka, CA – 5 de diciembre de 2025 – Eureka City Schools ha refinanciado $8.6 millones en bonos de obligación general, lo que resultará en más de $1.5 millones en ahorros para los propietarios de propiedades dentro del Distrito. El Distrito aprovechó tasas de interés favorables para refinanciar una parte de sus Bonos de la Elección de 2014, Serie 2015.

En noviembre de 2014, más del 57% de los votantes del Distrito aprobaron la emisión de $49.7 millones en bonos de obligación general para mejorar el rendimiento estudiantil mediante la modernización de salones de educación técnica y capacitación laboral, la mejora de tecnología y la construcción de nuevos salones y laboratorios de ciencias.

Los Bonos de la Serie 2015 tenían tasas de interés entre 3.5% y 5.0%. Los nuevos bonos de refinanciamiento tienen una tasa de interés de 3.48%. Esta reducción permitirá ahorrar a los contribuyentes $1,504,595 y reducirá el período de pago en un año.

El Superintendente Gary Storts afirmó: “Nuestra comunidad ha demostrado constantemente su compromiso de proporcionar entornos de aprendizaje seguros, modernos y accesibles para los estudiantes. El apoyo mostrado a través del programa de bonos de 2014 sigue generando beneficios, y esta refinanciación refleja nuestra responsabilidad continua de ejercer una administración fiscal sólida en nombre de nuestros contribuyentes.”

El Subsuperintendente Paul Ziegler añadió: “Supervisar nuestras obligaciones de deuda es una parte esencial para garantizar que los dólares de los contribuyentes se utilicen sabiamente. Con tasas de interés más bajas que cuando se emitieron los bonos originales, la refinanciación fue una oportunidad práctica para reducir costos para la comunidad.”

La Mesa Directiva autorizó la refinanciación en su reunión del 9 de octubre. La Presidenta de la Mesa, Jessica Rebholtz, expresó: “Estamos profundamente agradecidos por el continuo apoyo de nuestra comunidad a Eureka City Schools. Su inversión en el programa de bonos de 2014 ayudó a hacer que nuestros planteles sean más seguros, accesibles y mejor equipados para el aprendizaje del siglo XXI. Esta refinanciación reafirma nuestro compromiso de proteger esa inversión y de ser administradores responsables de los fondos públicos.”

Los propietarios dentro del Distrito verán tasas de impuestos reducidas reflejadas en futuras facturas tributarias.

Contacto de Prensa:

Paul Ziegler, Subsuperintendente de Servicios Empresariales

Eureka City Schools

zieglerp@eurekacityschools.org

Tel: 707-441-2412

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE POSTING

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Public Hearing to Consider the Petition for Alder Grove Charter School

 

When:          

Thursday, December 11, 2025 – 5:30 p.m.

Where:        

Eureka City Schools Regular Board Meeting

Francis H. Taplin Board Room

2100 J Street

Eureka, CA 95501

 

NOTICE is hereby given that the Eureka City School District will hold a Public Hearing to consider the petition for Alder Grove Charter School.

Please take notice that on December 11, 2025, at approximately 5:30 p.m., the Board of Trustees of the Eureka City School District will hold a public hearing in accordance with Education Code section 47605(b) to consider the level of support by teachers employed by the school district, other employees of the school district, and parents. The district received the renewal petition on November 10, 2025.

A copy of the petition is available for review on the Eureka City Schools website at www.eurekacityschools.org under “Recent News” and at the Eureka City School District Office, 2100 J Street, Eureka, CA 95501.  Please contact the Eureka School District Office at 707-441-2414 if you would like a copy of the materials prior to the Public Hearing.

All interested staff, parents, and community members are invited to attend.

 

Post: 12/01/25

Remove: 12/12/25

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August 4, 2025

Dear Eureka City Schools Families,

Welcome back! I hope your summer has been filled with joy and that you've spent quality time with loved ones. As we begin the 2025–26 school year, I am energized by the possibilities ahead for our learners, our staff, and our greater Eureka community as we lean into a bold theme - Agency - an invitation for every learner to take a more active role in their education.

This year, you’ll notice we are intentionally shifting our language from “students” to “learners.” This isn’t just wordplay - it reflects a deeper change in how we see the young people we serve. A “student” often suggests someone passively receiving knowledge, while a “learner” implies ownership, curiosity, and action. At Eureka City Schools (ECS), we believe that when learners take responsibility for their own growth - setting goals, measuring progress, and seeing themselves as capable - they become engaged, empowered, and future-ready.

This shift ties directly to our ECS mission: Every Learner, Every Day: Engaged, Empowered, and Future-Ready. We are committed to ensuring that every child has both the opportunity and the support to shape their own learning journey. Our Portrait of a Graduate describes the qualities we hope every ECS graduate will embody, and can only become reality if we meet the moment and nurture agency now. We must empower our learners to grow into Effective Communicators, Independent Critical Thinkers, Responsible Collaborators, Community Engagers, Global Stewards, and Resilient Learners.

We enter this school year on a high note:

• Early literacy growth has been remarkable - nearly 75% of our first graders are now reading at or above grade level.
• Our English Learner program has witnessed equally exciting success, with nearly 100 learners reclassifying as English proficient last year.
• Families are feeling the connection, too. According to the California Healthy Kids Survey, 84% of parents believe their child has a caring adult at school, and 83% feel their children are connected to school. These powerful perceptions reflect the trust families place in our schools and the culture of belonging we are building together.

These milestones remind us what is possible when we rally behind a common effort.

As Eureka City Schools leans into learner agency, we will rely heavily on our outstanding team of Teachers on Special Assignment (TOSAs) to help lead the way by working with classroom teachers to:

• Embed practices that help learners set goals, track their progress, and reflect on their growth
• Provide access to resources and opportunities that eliminate barriers to success
• Design learning experiences that offer choice in how learners demonstrate mastery of skills
• Build pathways at the secondary level that couple learner interest and future workforce demands
• Ensure proper support for mental, emotional, and physical health, and
• Model and facilitate a growth mindset for learners, educators, and leaders

Your partnership is essential to ensuring that our young people are well-positioned for success after graduation. This school year, we invite you to volunteer in classrooms, read with learners, join a school Parent Teacher Association (PTA) or School Site Council (SSC), or support the various special events and programs offered by your child’s school. Your involvement strengthens our schools and serves as a model of community engagement - many thanks in advance for your partnership.  Please reach out to your school principal for more information.  

This year and beyond, as we embrace Agency, you can expect every ECS staff member to lean into creating safe and inclusive spaces where every learner belongs, has access to the support they need when they need it, and sees their effort lead to growth.

Thank you for trusting us with your children. 

With gratitude and excitement,

Gary Storts

Superintendent

Eureka City Schools