College of the Adaptive Arts receives $2.2M funding boost
Senator Dave Cortese joined with leaders of special education on Friday to announce a $2.2 million state investment into the College of the Adaptive Arts (CAA) in Saratoga.
This funding will expand on CAA’s efforts in delivering college-level education to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities—along with a greater career pipeline including educational apprenticeships and teaching classes.
“It’s an honor to announce that we secured $2.2 million for the College of the Adaptive Arts, located at the West Valley Community College campus,” Cortese (D-San Jose) said. “This investment will expand collegiate-level educational opportunities, workforce development and career guidance for young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. CAA’s model is not just about education; it’s about fostering lifelong connections and growing communities that embrace acceptance and belonging.”
“These resources, secured by State Senator Cortese, will allow this innovative, lifelong collegiate model to reach full operational fruition for adults who historically have not had access to college education,” said Deanna Pursai, co-founder and executive director of CAA. “We will use these resources to fortify the program, build stronger partnerships with West Valley College, and build a replicable blueprint model that we plan to mentor other like-minded education leaders locally and around the world to consider adapting in their communities.”
CAA launched in 2009 and currently serves more than 224 students across nine states, offering more than 69 courses across 10 Schools of Instruction this summer/fall semester at the West Valley Community College campus. The college’s expanded curriculum includes fields such as business, science and technology, communications and library arts.
“Every campus around the world should partner with CAA and make space for college students like me. I am so proud to be a lifelong learner,” said AJ Vanderpan, a current student. “CAA has pioneered special higher education programs for students just like me—hungry to keep learning and growing into the best version of ourselves. I love that I get to choose my classes each semester. This quarter, I am studying technology, fitness, Italian, visual arts and employment skills.”
The California Department of Developmental Services is currently the only recurring public funder of CAA. The new $2.2 million state investment will fund a variety of initiatives aimed at enhancing CAA’s programs.
Additionally, the new state resources will strengthen the existing collaboration between CAA and its host institution, Saratoga-based West Valley College. Students of West Valley College will have more opportunities to engage with CAA through apprenticeships and through volunteering as part of their newly established Democracy Institute.
For information about the College of the Adaptive Arts, visit collegeofadaptivearts.org.
School district welcomes new administrators
The Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District (LGSUHSD) announced the appointment of five new administrators who have been hired as replacements to outgoing personnel supporting the schools and District Office.
Selected as a result of a comprehensive search process throughout the late spring and summer are:
• Director of Continuous Improvement and Accountability Patrick Bernhardt
• Saratoga High School Assistant Principal/Activities Director Kristen Cunningham
• Director of Human Resources Dagmar Derickson
• Director of Facilities, Maintenance, Operation and Transportation Toby Mockler
• Los Gatos High School Assistant Principal David Poetzinger
Bernhardt joined the district as the Director of Continuous Improvement and Accountability in July. He is a former high school math and social studies teacher, department chair, data resource teacher, and president of the San Jose Teachers Association in San Jose Unified School District.
Cunningham, a current teacher and Activities Director at Saratoga High School, has been selected to serve in the Assistant Principal position beginning this school year, continuing her role as an Activities Director. She has 22 years of experience in K-12 schools as a teacher, counselor, and Student Support Services Director, among other positions.
Derickson joins the district from Mill Valley School District where she has served in the same role since 2021. She has served as Chief Negotiator, Chief Investigator and has worked to streamline the projects and role of HR, including overseeing recruitment, staff evaluations and compliance with changing personnel laws and regulations.
A former District Facilities Manager at Fremont Union High School District, Mockler joined the district in July. Mockler managed several high school campus Facilities Managers and built up the maintenance planning procedures, vendor relationships, and community facility rental processes.
Serving his last three years as the Assistant Principal of San Lorenzo Valley High School, Poetzinger is the new Assistant Principal at Los Gatos High School. He is a former English and Journalism teacher, and football coach, among many other roles throughout his 32 years of service in a high school setting.
Merkel honored at Montclair State University
KB Merkel of Los Gatos was named to the Spring 2023 Dean’s List at Montclair State University in New Jersey.
Merkel is a Theatre major.
Merkel was among nearly 6,000 students named to the Spring 2023 Dean’s List. To qualify, students must earn a GPA of 3.5 or higher.
