Monica Velez is a reporter for EdSource, with a focus on local education and social justice issues in the state of California. She has a background in journalism, with previous experience at publications such as The Seattle Times and The Fresno Bee. Monica is dedicated to providing accurate and impactful reporting to her community, and is fluent in both English and Spanish.
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San Jose, United States (Local)
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Monica's coverage is heavily focused on local education and government announcements, particularly related to California. Her interest in evolving stories and data-driven content suggests she would be interested in pitches that provide in-depth analysis or exclusive access to relevant data regarding educational trends, government policies, and their impact.
If you have insights into the evolving landscape of education in California, such as teacher shortages or mental health services within schools, her focus on these themes means your pitch should emphasize actionable solutions or innovative initiatives being implemented by educational institutions.
Given Monica’s geographic focus on Washington and Seattle specifically for local news coverage within the United States, consider tailoring your pitches to reflect how similar issues might manifest locally.
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District must operate under last year's budget; board must act by Sunday to avert take over.
By: Monica Velez
The West Contra Costa school board has rejected its Local Control Accountability Plan and without that approved document, it can't approve a 2024-25 budget. The board still has a chance to pass it.
Teacher vacancies at three West Contra Costa schools have disproportionately impacted students of color, according to the lawsuit.
By: Monica Velez
A group of educators, staff and parents are suing the West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD) for failing to address poor building
By: Monica Velez
A hallway in Stege Elementary School. A statement from Public Advocates said, in June 2023, 45 complaints were submitted to address facility issues at Stege, including moldy walls, broken floor tiles and inoperable windows, according to the statement. Six months later, three complaints were filed to address teacher vacancies at Stege Elementary School. Andrew Reed, EdSource photo.
A study of charter schools in Massachusetts shows charter students in the state are significantly more likely to enroll in a four-year college and earn a degree compared to their non-charter peers, The 74 reported.
EdSource appreciates readers like you – educators, leaders, parents, students – who are building a more equitable future for every student. Until Aug. 30, we're fundraising to support a Local News Fellow who will cover California's underserved communities. Will you help us make a difference?
Complaints were filed over moldy walls, classrooms reaching more than 90 degrees, broken windows, lack of quality teachers
English and math scores improved from 2023 to 2024, but still have not caught up to results from prior to the pandemic.
By Diana Lambert, John Fensterwald, Zaidee Stavely, Lasherica Thornton, Mallika Seshardri and Monica Velez Published October 11, 2024 5:41am PDT
(833) 317-6278 
