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Press Release: Eureka City Schools Governing Board Appoints Trustee for Area 5
The Eureka City Schools Governing Board has provisionally appointed Jess Pettitt as Trustee for Area 5, filling the remainder of the term through December 2026. A longtime Eureka resident, Pettitt brings extensive experience in education, facilitation, and community-based work across K–12 and higher education settings.
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
Notice of Vacancy and Open Position on the Board of Trustees - Trustee Area 5
Eureka City Schools is seeking qualified residents of Trustee Area 5 to submit candidate information sheets, noting an interest in joining our Board of Trustees. This is a great opportunity to make a difference in our schools! Candidate information sheets must be submitted by
March 20, 2026, 4:00 p.m.
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
Notice of Public Hearing: Public Hearing to Consider the Petition for Alder Grove Charter School
On
February 12, 2026
, at approximately 5:30 p.m., the Board of Trustees of the Eureka City School District will hold a public hearing on the Board's decision to grant or deny the Charter Petition from Alder Grove Charter School. The district received the petition on November 10, 2025.
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
Press Release | Lafayette Elementary School, in Eureka, and Linsen Elementary School in Taiwan, Establish Sister-School Partnership
Lafayette Elementary School in Eureka and Linsen Elementary School in Taiwan officially established a sister-school partnership during a ceremonial signing held December 11, 2025, at the Humboldt County Office of Education. School leaders and representatives from Taiwan’s Ministry of Education joined virtually to celebrate a shared commitment to global learning, cultural understanding, and student connection. The partnership, inspired in part by a recent teacher exchange to Taiwan, aims to foster curiosity, learner agency, and meaningful cross-cultural collaboration for students on both sides of the Pacific.
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
. 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
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
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 for a Community Workshop on Personalized, Competency-Based Learning | January 22, 2026
Join us on
January 22, 2026
, for a community workshop on
Personalized, Competency-Based Learning (PCBL)
. Families and community members will explore classroom examples, connect with educators, and learn how PCBL supports each learner’s growth and future readiness across Eureka City Schools.
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
US