The California Department of Education’s School Facilities and Transportation Services Division has developed a new Drought Response Best Practices and Resources Web page that includes strategies that school districts can consider to reduce their water usage.

California is experiencing one of the worst droughts in the state’s recorded history. The current snowpack is less than 5 percent of the average. It is critical that all Californians do their part to conserve water.

Schools are in a unique position as centers of community, and as educational institutions, to lead by example and to educate the public on what can be done to stretch the supply of water until the drought ends.

The list provided by the CDE is not exhaustive and each school district should evaluate a strategy based on the district’s climate, existing conditions, and water reduction efforts already completed. Typically, the majority of water use is for irrigation of landscaping and playfields, so a focus on outdoor areas may yield the largest savings. It is important that districts inform the public that school fields are key educational and community resources and, as such, need to be maintained to a minimum safety standard.

Additionally, the CDE has launched an online Twitter campaign inviting all schools and districts to share best practices using the hashtag #WaterWiseSchools.

Career Technical Education Exhibits to be Showcased at California State Fair

Career Technical Education (CTE) demonstrations and hands-on activities will be featured during the 162nd Annual State Fair in Sacramento as California public high school students showcase the real-world skills they learn in their career technical education courses at school.

Beginning with the opening of the State Fair at Cal Expo on Friday, CTE students will demonstrate their skills and involve fairgoers in actual job-related activities that show how much CTE has evolved over the years—from a purely vocational program to a modern career-relevant approach covering 59 contemporary industry pathways.

Fairgoers will have the opportunity to participate with CTE students in forensic biology used in crime detection, television and film video production, welding through computer simulation, public safety and emergency preparedness, culinary arts food preparation, agriculture careers, internet security, business professions and leadership skills.

The student showcase complements State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson’s Career Readiness Initiative, designed to better prepare students for jobs and careers in the 21st century.

The California Department of Education (CDE) is a state agency led by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson.