Focus on Education: Sylvan school board to meet

The Sylvan Union School District board will meet at 7 p.m. today at the district boardroom, 605 Sylvan Ave. Trustees will take action on Sherwood Elementary modernization plans and hear an update on school boundary deliberations. See the full agenda at http://bit.ly/SylvanBoard.

RIVERBANK TO MEET: The Riverbank Unified School District board will meet at 5:30 p.m. today at the district boardroom, 6715 Seventh St. A presentation on after-school programs and possible reductions will be followed by a student performance. The board will consider approving soil testing for new construction at Cardoza Middle School. See the full agenda at http://bit.ly/RiverbankBoard.

TURLOCK TO MEET: The Turlock Unified School District board will meet at 6:30 p.m. today at the Professional Development Center, 1100 Cahill Ave., Turlock. Trustees will be asked to approve tentative contracts with teachers and support staff that would allow for up to 4.1 percent concessions, in salary cuts or furlough days, if state funding is cut midyear. The deal for teachers includes retirement incentives. They will also be asked to give final approval to service hours as a high school graduation requirement. See the full agenda at http://bit.ly/TurlockBoard.

ESCALON TO MEET: The Escalon Unified School District board will meet at 7 p.m. today at the El Portal Middle School Library, 805 First St. Trustees will be asked to approve tutoring services. See the full agenda at http://bit.ly/EscalonBoard.

TEACHERS TAKE A BOW: The Merced County Teacher of the Year awards ceremony will be at 7 p.m. today in the Merced Theatre, 301 W. Main St. The event celebrates educators from throughout the county. Master of ceremonies will be Merced County Superior Court Judge Brian McCabe. Districts and nominees: Delhi Unified, Johnny Flores; Gustine Unified, William Burke; Los Banos Unified, Valentina Mascorro; Merced City, Brenda Tovar; Merced County Office of Education, Danny Ramos; Merced River, Wrenda Holt; Merced Union High, Alexie Parle; Weaver, Andrea Hogue; and Winton, Ellen Avellar.